Stockholm’s ban on fossil-fuel cars halted

Stockholm’s ambition to establish the world’s first urban zero-emission vehicle zone in its upscale shopping district has hit a roadblock. Originally slated to take effect by the end of the year, the initiative is now on hold as Sweden’s County Administrative Board examines appeals filed by five companies opposing the measure.

In a surprise move, the ban on fossil fuel cars within the 20-block zone has been put on ice. The plan, proposed by Stockholm’s Social Democrats and Green Party leadership to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, would ban all but fully electric, hydrogen, and Euro 6-compliant gas vehicles from the designated area.

Economy versus ecology

Opposition from businesses and industry groups has undermined the rollout. The Swedish Commerce group, representing 15,000 businesses, warned the initiative could harm central Stockholm’s economy, potentially leading to job losses. The Swedish Confederation of Transport Enterprises criticized the plan’s pace, citing a lack of compliant buses on the market.

The delay stems from complaints by this group of appellants. They argue that the measure should be scrapped entirely or postponed by a year. Their objections prompted the administrative court to pause the implementation pending further investigation. The timeline for introducing the zero-emission zone now depends on the court’s findings, with no precise date for its resolution.

‘Work will not stop’

“This is surprising,” said Vice-Mayor Lars Strömgren, responsible for transport and urban environment, while expressing disappointment with the ruling. “We are eager for the zone to be established to achieve better air quality. Work on this initiative will not stop.” He further emphasized the zone’s environmental benefits: “We also want the noise to become less and want to create incentives for transport companies and others to choose vehicles that can operate in this area.”

The proposed zero-emission zone reflects a broader effort by Stockholm’s government to phase out fossil fuel vehicles in the city center. Despite bipartisan support for reducing emissions, the measure has ignited debate about its feasibility and economic impact.

The city plans to revisit the initiative after the court’s decision. Strömgren remains steadfast: “Exhaust fumes make city air hazardous, especially for vulnerable groups. We must lower emissions and clean up our air. The delay is unfortunate, but we will continue to work toward implementing this vital change.”

Is Oxford in the lead?

Stockholm could still be the first city in the world with a zero-emission center. In the UK, Oxford has already implemented a similar measure, although under the umbrella of a pilot project. Only after evaluation will the council decide whether or not to adopt full implementation as of 2026.

Cities are grappling with the rollout of their zero-emission zones all over Europe. In Belgium, Brussels postponed the ban on Euro 5 diesel cars by two years despite complaints that the move was unsocial.

Ghent and Antwerp rescheduled the denied entry for these diesels to 2026, but the new Flemish government has completely axed the timeline, leaving no restrictions for cars as of Euro 5 for the time being. Previously, classic cars were also granted access.