Cleaner freight distribution in Bologna
Bologna City Council and the wider Regional Council of Emilia-Romagna have signed up to test a pioneering solution involving diesel filters to make commercial freight distribution vehicles serving the urban area less pollutant. Up to 350 lorries will be fitted with technological retro-fit tool known as diesel particulate filters.
The project aims to reduce the emission of fine particles produced by diesel engine by up to 90%. Commercial lorry owners can access grants amounting to 50% (max. 2,000.00 €) on the total amount of the vehicles refit. Co-ordinated and supervised by the Council in collaboration with trade associations, the project will be financed by the Regional Council.This Bologna City Council initiative represents a real test case to verify the effectiveness of the procedure and the eventual exportability to other cities in the Region. It also demonstrates the collaboration of both city and Regional Councils working together to reduce air pollution in urban area. The strategy forms part of a wider Council framework to reduce the environmental impact of freight traffic in the City of Bologna. Regulations are already in place restricting access to inner city depending on the pollution level of the freight vehicle.
Author: Mauro Borioni
