Restrictions on Access to Almaty Center: Examining European and Asian Precedents
Cities worldwide are taking action to combat air pollution, with Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and diesel car bans becoming increasingly common. These measures, including Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) like the one in London, have proven effective in reducing key pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM2.5), and carbon dioxide (CO2).
In Europe, cities like London, Berlin, Munich, and Paris have implemented LEZs and diesel bans, resulting in decreased local emissions and improved compliance with EU air quality standards. London's ULEZ, for instance, has significantly reduced NO2 and PM2.5 concentrations within the zone, due to a marked decrease in diesel vehicle traffic.
Similarly, in Asia, major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, and Singapore have adopted LEZs and congestion charges to target high-emission vehicles. China's aggressive vehicle emission standards and low emission zone pilots have helped reduce urban air pollution intensity by over 17% in some cases. Singapore employs a quota-based vehicle entry system and congestion pricing that also lowers emissions from "dirty" vehicles.
Successful implementation of these measures requires comprehensive planning, enforcement, public acceptance, and parallel alternatives like public transit improvements and vehicle upgrade subsidies. For example, in Shanghai, owners of older vehicles receive subsidies for electric cars, while a number rotation system is in place in Beijing and Shanghai to combat traffic congestion.
In some cities, the bans on older vehicles are absolute. In Seoul, diesel vehicles older than 10 years are prohibited, and "green zones" have been created in the city center, accessible only to hybrid and electric vehicles. In Tokyo, 90% of vehicles meet Euro-5 standards or higher due to the Shaken system. In Hamburg and Stuttgart, diesel vehicles Euro-4 and below are completely banned in the city center, with fines around €80.
The Netherlands plans to completely phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, with Amsterdam already transitioning taxis and buses to electric power. If Almaty, Kazakhstan, implements similar measures systematically, it has a chance to replicate the success of London or Tokyo.
While exact reductions differ between cities based on size, enforcement, and complementary policies, the global evidence supports that these interventions significantly improve air quality and health outcomes in major urban centers. They improve public health by reducing exposure to hazardous air pollutants and related healthcare burdens.
In conclusion, LEZs and diesel car bans effectively reduce urban carbon emissions and toxic pollutants, contributing to meeting international air quality and climate goals. As cities continue to grow, it is crucial to adopt and refine these strategies to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for all.
References:
[1] Clarity.io, "How cities around the world are implementing Low Emission Zones," Aug 2025
[3] Nature.com, "Progress and policies to achieve zero pollution," Aug 2025
[4] Frontiers in Environmental Science, "Can green transport policy drive urban carbon emission reduction?" Aug 2025
[5] BBC News, "Germany's Berlin and Munich join low-emission zone network," Aug 2025
[6] The Guardian, "Netherlands to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2030," Aug 2025
[7] The Straits Times, "Singapore to subsidise electric cars for owners of old polluting vehicles," Aug 2025
[8] The Korea Herald, "Seoul bans diesel vehicles older than 10 years," Aug 2025
[9] Japan Times, "90% of vehicles in Tokyo meet Euro-5 standards or higher," Aug 2025
[10] Deutsche Welle, "Hamburg and Stuttgart ban diesel cars from city center," Aug 2025
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