How Low Emission Zones Influence Travel Planning: Carwow Provides Information on Environmental Regulations in Europe

Where in Europe are there environmental zones and what are the regulations for e-cars - important information and tips can be found at Carwow.

For many people, holidays mean freedom, relaxation and adventure, but also responsibility. After all, environmental emissions do not stop at the most beautiful time of the year. If you travel by car, you should inform yourself well about environmental zones and access restrictions at home and abroad. Electric cars also require a sticker or registration in many environmental zones, because the regulations serve not only to limit emissions, but often also to control traffic in general. Carwow gives tips for more sustainable travel planning and explains how drivers avoid unnecessary fines.

Travel greener, even on vacation

Sustainability does not stop at the city limits: If you travel by car, you can actively contribute to avoiding emissions with the right vehicle. Electric cars are particularly suitable here: they do not emit any direct exhaust gases and – depending on the electricity mix – can also be climate-friendly in operation. Especially for vacation trips in one's own country or to neighboring countries, the e-car is a sensible option. Thanks to the increasingly dense charging infrastructure, "traveling with a plug" is now also completely suitable for everyday use.

"Many travellers today want to travel more consciously. E-cars are an attractive solution for this, not only for everyday life, but also for longer distances on vacation," says Philipp Sayler von Amende, Managing Director of Carwow Germany. He adds: "Environmental zones and local regulations are playing an increasingly important role and should definitely be taken into account before departure. After all, only those who are well informed can avoid unpleasant surprises such as fines or access bans."

Carwow provides an overview of important regulations:

● France: In Paris and other cities, environmental zones with the so-called Crit'Air sticker apply. This must also be applied for in advance for foreign vehicles, it is not possible to simply buy it locally. Violations can cost up to 180 euros.

● Italy: The Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) is active in many cities. Their compliance is often even monitored by video. Especially in city centers such as Rome or Florence, only registered vehicles are allowed to enter.

● London: There are several low emission zones in London that regulate car traffic to improve air quality. The best known is the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which has covered the entire city of Greater London since August 2023. It applies around the clock, every day of the year. In addition, there is the so-called Congestion Charge Zone in the city centre. For larger and heavier vehicles, there is also the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which also covers the whole of Greater London. All zones are monitored by cameras that record the license plates.

● Germany: Cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Stuttgart or Munich rely on environmental zones or even diesel driving bans. Without a green sticker, entry is prohibited and by no means every navigation system warns reliably.