The survey on traffic emission reductions proposes that a gradually expanding area would be formed within Helsinki, within which only zero-emission vehicles would be allowed to drive. A zero-emission transport system would encourage people to switch over to a zero-emission car, use public transport, cycle or walk short distances. Any limitations and exceptions would take into account the different needs of residents.
“Helsinki has succeeded in significantly reducing its climate emissions. Emissions from heating and electricity consumption have been significantly reduced. On the other hand, traffic emissions have not decreased fast enough. The survey now completed shows a clear range of means for implementing traffic emission reductions,” says Ville Lehmuskoski, Head of the Urban Environment Division of Helsinki.
The environmental zone would reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions and noise nuisance caused by traffic, as well as air pollution harmful to health. Before the final decision on the environmental zone can be made, it is assessed how the zone would affect the city’s economy, the mobility of people in a different social position and the activities of companies. The needs of residents and stakeholders will be taken into account as much as possible in the preparation of measures.
Significant health effects in environmental zones
At the same time, reducing traffic emissions would significantly improve the health of the city residents. Environment air quality would be improved, noise in the urban space reduced and traffic safety improved. Walking and cycling, in turn, would increase the amount of everyday physical activity. At the same time, the city’s pleasantness would increase. The health effects would be positive, especially for those living and moving around in the city centre.
Quicker towards an electric car fleet
The development of the charging infrastructure and financial incentives would accelerate development towards zero-emission traffic. The city’s support for the construction of charging points for private properties would facilitate the deployment of electric cars and reduce obstacles to charging. Helsinki could also investigate the possibility to introduce a scrapping premium for the disposal of polluting cars and the purchase of zero-emission vehicles, which would speed up the transition towards a lower-emission car fleet. A city resident could also use the premium for the purchase of an e-bike or public transport tickets.
More efficient use of urban space
Parking fees and restrictions would also be gradually extended in Helsinki. The policy would be part of the continuous development of parking. The main theme is that urban space will be used more efficiently in the future. Above all, the densifying urban structure encourages walking, cycling and public transport. The proposed changes to unrestricted parking in public areas have already been decided in the city’s parking policy, but they would be adopted in a shorter timeframe, due to the timetable for emission reductions. In suburban areas, this would mean that currently unlimited street parking would be either time-limited or subject to a fee.
External means of compensation
According to the forecast, Helsinki will achieve 80% of its carbon neutrality reduction target by 2030. Remaining emissions should either be compensated or additional measures should be taken to reduce emissions. Traffic will account for the majority of the emissions. The more traffic emissions would be reduced, the more local benefits would be obtained, including health effects for the city residents. In that case, there would also be no need to invest in expensive external means of compensation.
Cooperation and looking to the future
A climate panel of Helsinki residents has was set up last year to consider means through which the City of Helsinki could achieve its emission reduction targets in terms of traffic. The climate panel finalised a declaration that emphasised the needs of different types of people moving, the development of public transport and cycling as well as the improvement of winter maintenance. The declaration has been used in planning the mitigation of traffic emissions.
In 2024, a survey was commissioned in which city residents were asked, among other things, about the restriction of driving internal combustion engine cars in the city. Of the respondents, 44% were positive and 32% were negative about the restrictions.
The slow deployment of electric cars, due to the general economic situation, and the impact of national decision-making on the whole have been identified as challenges in reducing traffic emissions. However, cities’ opportunities to influence the overall mitigation of emissions are limited. Both national and regional decisions play an important role -- not forgetting EU-level policies.
If EU or state measures appear to implement the intended emission reductions in terms of traffic, the appropriateness of the city’s own measures will then be reassessed.
Continuing decision-making
A survey of ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from traffic will be presented to the Urban Environment Committee at next week’s meeting. After that, the matter will proceed to the City Board. More information on the matter can be found on the agenda of the Urban Environment Committee.
Agenda of the Urban Environment Committee
