Thousands Seek Exceptions for Zero-Emission Zones in Netherlands

DEN HAAG, Netherlands – The Dutch government has received several thousand requests for exceptions to newly implemented zero-emission zones in urban areas, which took effect on January 1. State Secretary Chris Jansen (Ministry of Environment, PVV) reported this in a letter to the House of Representatives.

Under the new regulations, certain commercial vehicles are prohibited from entering designated zero-emission zones, but entrepreneurs can apply for exceptions to access these areas. For instance, individuals who own a commercial vehicle not used for business purposes may qualify for a permit. Additionally, exceptions are available for entrepreneurs awaiting the delivery of a zero-emission vehicle, as well as for vehicles that have been modified due to disability or those without a non-emission version.

As of February 2, a total of 3,785 applications for exceptions had been submitted, with 2,427 of these requests being applicable nationwide. Notably, approximately 96 percent of the requests have been approved; the remainder were either denied or pending due to missing documentation. Of the national requests, about one quarter remain unprocessed.

Concerns regarding the impact of zero-emission zones were raised in the House of Representatives last fall, particularly by the PVV and VVD parties. VVD’s Hester Veltman warned of an “exception circus.” However, Jansen reassured lawmakers that municipalities implementing the zones have informed him that the rollout has been largely trouble-free.

“The introduction has proceeded without significant issues,” the municipalities stated, countering the fears expressed by some members of Parliament.