Controversy resurfaces following the elimination of diesel filter systems at Neckartor: A renewed conflict over the diesel restriction policy
In a significant step towards cleaner air, the air filter columns at the heavily trafficked Neckartor intersection in Baden-Württemberg have been dismantled. These columns, installed in late 2018, were designed to improve air quality, a mission they accomplished successfully.
The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport cited improved air quality as the reason for their removal. The Neckartor, once considered the dirtiest intersection in Germany, has seen a significant improvement in air quality.
According to the responsible government presidency in Karlsruhe, air quality in Pforzheim continues to improve. This improvement is attributed to the first set of air filter columns, which helped meet Europe-wide binding limits for fine dust and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) of 40 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³).
However, stricter limits for air pollutants will apply due to a new EU directive by 2030. The Ambient Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC), part of the EU's Clean Air Package, is being revised, and it mandates that the concentration of fine dust PM10 and PM2.5, as well as the air pollutant NO2, will be halved by 2030.
The Neckartor's air filter columns, while effective, were costly and energy-intensive to operate, costing the state over two million euros. Despite their removal, the environmental zone in Pforzheim remains in place, as it continues to meet current limit values for many years.
Minister Winfried Hermann (Greens) supports the continuation of measures to improve air quality in the state capital. The ministry also mentioned the expansion of public transport and the environmental zone for diesel vehicles over ten years old as further supporting measures for air purification.
The number of vehicles affected by the entry ban in Pforzheim has decreased as vehicles have become more modern. By 2030, the environmental zone in Pforzheim may face even stricter limits due to the new EU directive.
Stuttgart's mayor, Frank Nopper (CDU), argues for the lifting of the driving ban for diesel vehicles of emission class Euro 5 and lower in certain areas. The Environmental Agency expects further reduction of most air pollutants by 2030.
Despite the dismantling of the air filter columns, the improvement in air quality at the Neckartor is evident. The air quality at the start of the environmental zone in Pforzheim has significantly improved over time. As we move towards 2030, stricter air quality standards will be implemented, and it will be interesting to see how Pforzheim continues to adapt and improve.
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