Low Emission Zones in Europe
Europe-wide information on LEZ s
European Low Emission Zone
Low Emission
Zones
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Your source of information about Low Emission Zones and how they affect you when you drive in Europe.

Click on the map, use the tabs at the top to find Cities A-Z or by Country, the Standards you must meet in them in the near future, how to comply, and retrofitting details.

Alternatively use the left hand menu to find out about LEZs, get details of emissions standards, a list by start date of all City LEZ schemes and the standards required, or find out how you can comply with the LEZs.

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Article Index
What are LEZs ?
Why LEZs? - Health!
Air quality and Health
Impact of LEZs
Euro and emissions standards
What emissions standard is my vehicle?
What is Air Pollution?
Where does pollution come from?
What else is being done to reduce air pollution?
The role of the EU
EU Air Quality Targets
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Page 8 of 11

 

Where does pollution come from?

There are many sources. Which source is affecting you most will depend on where you are and what pollutants they are emitting. The main sources in Europe include:
  • road traffic (particularly in urban areas where most people live),
  • industry (such as power stations and factories),
  • domestic heating,
  • aircraft,
  • ships,
  • agriculture,
  • construction sites,
  • quarrying

Air pollution does not respect boundaries, so travels over country and city boundaries, often for thousands of kilometres. Sometimes the pollutants change during this time,
Emissions from road vehicles are often of particular concern, because they are emitted urban areas where people live and the emissions they give out are those that are more harmful (the very smallest dust particles).
This is particularly important if you are a driver, as your air intake is behind the exhaust of the vehicle in front, and pollution levels in a drivers seat are often significantly higher than the surrounding air.