On Tuesday, the Danish Parliament decided that the municipalities can now create a zero-emission zone where, as a rule, only cars without exhaust pipes are allowed. It is a major step forward in terms of cleaner air and less noise in cities, while promoting a green conversion of vehicles

It is a long-awaited gift for Copenhageners, Aarhusians and residents of other major Danish cities, which is now falling into place in the run-up to Christmas. This is how Christian Rohmann, transport advisor at the Council for a green transition, describes the law that has just been adopted, which gives municipalities the opportunity to introduce zero-emission zones.

What these zero-emission zones will look like is up to each individual city. But one thing is certain: the municipal politicians will have the opportunity to change the city so that it becomes cleaner and less noisy.

"Finally, Danish cities can say goodbye to the most polluting transport where we live, work and travel,” says Christian Rohmann, transport advisor at the Green Transition Denmark, and continues: "This is groundbreaking and can only be a huge plus in our efforts to create greener and more pleasant cities."

The law is now in place, and as soon as the executive order lands, the municipalities can throw themselves into planning their zero-emission zones. All users of the city are given fair notice before the zone is introduced.

"We hope that the municipalities seize the opportunity and become ambitious in the planning of their zone. The bigger the better. The law also allows for buses and light trucks under 12 tonnes to be included, so we must hope that the politicians prioritize that. It can really make a difference to the whole city and reduce illness and death related to noise and air pollution,” adds Christian Rohmann.

Green Transition Denmark is quite positive about the new possibilities, but is surprised that trucks and buses over 12 tons are not covered by the law.

"It seems like a misunderstanding, in relation to how far we are in a green conversion of heavy vehicles. There is already a large selection of electric lorries, and the tourist buses are also slowly on their way. So we expect that the heavy vehicles will also be quickly covered," concludes Christian Rohmann.

Now Christiansborg has passed the ball on to the local politicians. And it is expected to become one of the new possibilities that may become a theme in the municipal election campaign.