The zero-emission zone will apply to all new vans and lorries operating within the designated area. These vehicles must be emission-free, meaning they cannot run on diesel, petrol, or gas. Only electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles will be allowed to operate within this zone, aligning with the city’s commitment to a greener future.
It is important to point out that the 2025 deadline only applies to newly purchased goods vehicles – for vehicles already in service, the city council has set a later date.
Commercially registered vans and lorries engaged in various activities will fall under the purview of the zero-emission zone. This includes vehicles used for supplying shops and catering establishments, transporting materials to construction sites, delivering packages, and performing maintenance tasks, such as plumbing.
To facilitate the transition, a national transitional arrangement has been put in place, which will extend until 2030. Under this arrangement, older vans and trucks with emission class 4 or lower will no longer be permitted to enter the zero-emission zone from 2025 onwards.
Based on emission class and vehicle type, this is how the clean air zone restriction is scheduled:
- Vans with emission class 5 will be allowed until January 1, 2027.
- Vans with emission class 6 can operate until January 1, 2028.
- Rigid HGVs with emission class 6 (up to 5 years old on January 1, 2025) and tractor-trailer combinations (up to 8 years old on January 1, 2025) can continue operating in the zone until 2030.
After January 1, 2030, all vans and lorries entering the zero-emission zone must be completely emission-free.
Where is the emission-free zone going to be located?
The boundaries of the zero-emission zone will align with the environmental zone for diesel cars and will encompass the Centrumring (S100) and the Professor BM Teldersweg (S200).
However, the Centrumring and Professor BM Teldersweg themselves will not be included in the zone’s coverage. The exact size of the zone will be determined through a traffic decision expected to be made in early 2024.
Are there going to be exemptions?
Some exemptions and waivers will be granted, allowing certain vehicles to access the zero-emission zone despite not meeting the emission standards.
These exemptions and waivers will be based on specific criteria and will be facilitated through a digital counter, set to be operational for all zero-emission zones in the Netherlands in the second half of 2024.
Will the Hague support businesses in the transition?
To assist businesses in making the transition to cleaner transport options, the government and the municipality offer support, including subsidies for emission-free company cars and compensation for emission-free HGVs.
Additionally, businesses can request a free fleet scan in 2023 and 2024 to evaluate and plan their transition towards more sustainable or electric transport options.