Cities are cleaning up transport faster than countries, introducing ambitious goals that go beyond European and national policies. The first zero-emission zones (ZEZ) are already in force, and a total of 35 such zones are already planned across Europe. Modelling studies show that ZEZs can reduce tailpipe CO2 emissions from affected vehicles by 90% while also cutting air pollution from vehicles by more than 90% for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and by over 40% for particulate matter (PM2.5).
EU and UK policies and city initiatives are mutually reinforcing. For example, following legislation, zero-emission vans are being supplied at scale and are already cheaper to run in most parts of Europe. City initiatives ensured there was enough early demand for e-vans to scale up their production.