The year marked a clear shift from information campaigns to strict control in zero-emission zones. An analysis of municipal data compiled by Dutch insurance comparison platform Overstappen.nl shows that 29,536 fines were issued to delivery and freight vehicles after cities ended their warning-only approach and began full enforcement in July.
The largest wave of penalties was recorded in September, when 8,895 fines were issued – the highest monthly total since zero-emission zones were introduced. Before July, a transitional phase was in place, during which authorities sent 85,297 warning letters encouraging companies to adapt their fleets and routes.
That grace period ended in the second half of the year. From that point on, cities began issuing fines for unauthorised entry into zero-emission zones:
- €120 for delivery vehicles
- €310 for trucks
Rotterdam leads as enforcement tightens
Rotterdam recorded by far the highest number of penalties, with 14,021 fines issued. The city’s position at the top of the ranking reflects a stricter enforcement regime introduced in September, under which a repeat offence can be penalised again after just 48 hours.
In The Hague, 4,646 fines were imposed. From 1 October, the city moved to daily enforcement, meaning a fine can be issued for every detected violation.
High numbers were also recorded in:
- Tilburg: 3,638 fines
- Maastricht: 2,390 fines
At the other end of the scale is Amsterdam, where only 663 fines were issued. This is due to a local rule under which only one penalty is imposed if a vehicle simultaneously breaches both zero-emission zone and environmental zone regulations.
Read more: Germany closes the loophole: every offence by foreign drivers will now be visible instantly
High compliance despite the number of penalties
Despite the high number of fines, municipalities report very high compliance rates. More than 95 per cent of vehicles entering zero-emission zones meet the requirements, and in cities such as Tilburg and Maastricht the figure reaches 98–99 per cent.
During the warning period, many companies adjusted their operations by:
- changing routes,
- applying for the necessary permits,
- upgrading to cleaner vehicles.
This points to a rapid transformation in urban logistics, driven not only by environmental policy but also by the direct financial consequences of non-compliance.
Further expansion expected
Local authorities have announced that zero-emission zones will be gradually expanded and that enforcement will cover a growing number of vehicles. For urban transport operators – both delivery and freight – this means increasing pressure to modernise fleets.
The data suggests that 2025 was only an initial adjustment phase. While the penalty figures are already substantial, they may prove to be only a preview of the regulatory reality facing urban logistics in the coming years.
