Environmental zone in Arnhem: all you need to know (2023)
Arnhem city centre is subject to an Environmental Zone, where only diesel vehicles meeting the standards of emission class 4 or higher are granted access. Compliance is checked by license plate inspection, with fines of €110 for non-compliant passenger cars and vans, and €280 for trucks. The Environmental Zone boundaries, marked with green circles, are designed to improve air quality by allowing only cleaner vehicles into the designated area.
Author: © Raimond Spekking. source
In the heart of Arnhem, a city known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, there's a regulation that environmentally conscious drivers should be aware of—the Milieuzone. Designed to reduce pollution, the Milieuzone specifically targets heavily-polluting vehicles running on diesel. Here's everything you need to know about this environmental zone.
The vehicles that are affected in Arnhem
The Milieuzone in Arnhem applies to a range of vehicles, including trucks, passenger cars, and delivery vans that operate on diesel fuel. It's crucial to understand that only vehicles meeting a certain emission standard are allowed within the zone.
Emission Classes: A Key Factor
The emission class of a vehicle plays a pivotal role in determining its eligibility for entry into the Milieuzone. This classification indicates the amount of pollutants emitted by the vehicle, with higher numbers denoting cleaner vehicles. In Arnhem, only vehicles with an emission class of 4 or higher are permitted to enter the Milieuzone. For trucks, a higher standard of emission class 6 or above is required.
Navigating the milieuzone: signage and checks
When approaching the Milieuzone in Arnhem, watch out for specific traffic signs indicating the zone's boundaries. These signs include a green circle with the number 4, denoting the required emission class. To confirm whether your vehicle is allowed, use the license plate check on www.milieuzones.nl, the website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.
Geographical limits of the milieuzone in Arnhem
The Milieuzone encompasses key areas within Arnhem, including the city's singels, the Nieuwe Plein, and the hoge Rijnkade, along with everything within these boundaries. Notable exclusions are the Airborneplein and the Lage Kade. To visualize the limits of the zone, refer to the Milieuzone map available on the website.
Non-compliance and fines
If your vehicle does not meet the required emission standards, it's imperative to avoid entering the Milieuzone to prevent fines. Violations can result in penalties of €110 for passenger cars and delivery vans, and €280 for trucks. Enforcement within the zone is carried out through a digital camera system.
Changes in criteria: no age or Euro norm consideration
Unlike previous regulations, the Milieuzone in Arnhem no longer considers the age of your vehicle or the "Datum Eerste Toelating." Additionally, the "euronorm" is no longer a determining factor.
National exemptions
Some vehicles benefit from national exemptions, including:
- Diesel old-timers (over 40 years old) receive an automatic national exemption.
- Owners of old diesel camper vans, residing in a Milieuzone, are exempted within their residential zone. This exemption does not extend to other cities.
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles with the body code SH are nationally exempt.
- No Exemption for European Disabled Parking Card Holders
- It's essential to note that there is no longer an exemption for vehicles used for transporting a person with a European Disabled Parking Card.
Seeking on-the-road permissions in Arnhem
In cases where a diesel vehicle falls below emission class 4 and needs to enter the central areas of Arnhem, drivers may apply for an exemption in advance. On-the-road permissions cannot be retroactively requested. If you already have an exemption from another municipality where the Milieuzone applies, and your adapted vehicle for disabled persons costs over €500, that exemption is also valid in Arnhem.
Navigating the Milieuzone in Arnhem requires awareness of your vehicle's emission class and adherence to the established regulations. Utilize online tools for quick checks and stay informed about exemptions to ensure a smooth journey through this environmentally conscious zone.
