MAP: Only “eco-friendly trucks” can get to the center of Prague
In the wider area, which extends north to Bubeneč and south to the South Junction, the movement of trucks over 6 tons in weight is prohibited.
In the “narrower” zone, which basically copies the borders of the Prague Monument Reserve, on weekdays there are also cars over 3.5 tons and also all buses.
However, the prohibitions do not apply in cases where entry is necessary, for example due to construction, accident or relocation.
“Given that all cars have been produced in the Euro 6 standard since 2013, I think there is enough time for all operators to cope with the stricter requirements. They should achieve this by a natural change of the vehicle fleet, “commented the adaptation of the mayor’s deputy Adam Scheinherr (Prague himself), according to which the city” gives a clear signal that only the most environmentally friendly trucks should drive to the center. “
But a spokesman for the ČESMAD Bohemia car carrier association pointed out the possible pitfalls of the new rules. “Large trucks will not have a problem with that, because the standards are already in stable operation. Smaller cars with a smaller drive, however, have longer ones. The city should have thought about whether it will be able to modernize its own large ‘fleet’ of technical or garbage trucks, which often have very expensive buildings and the like, “Martin Felix told the Prague daily.
The desire for clean air? Insufficient, say carriers
He considers the justification of the decision only by the “desire for clean air” to be slightly insufficient. According to him, this will also bring increased costs in supplying companies in the historic center.
However, the councilors’ resolution allows for an exception. “In really serious cases (eg unique raids on vehicles that do not meet this requirement, or historic vehicles), their operator also has the option of requesting an exemption in administrative proceedings under the Road Traffic Act,” the explanatory memorandum states.
The zone of prohibition of entry of trucks with a total weight of more than 6 tons has been in force in Prague since 1993. In connection with this measure, in 1999 the metropolis introduced a zone of prohibition of entry of trucks over 3.5 tons and buses.
