Opponents of the Clean Transport Zone are pushing for a public vote. They are gathering signatures for an application to the Warsaw authorities, as reported by Paweł Skwierawski to PAP about the Stopkorkom initiative.
READ MORE: There is a request from PiS councilors and parliamentarians to Mazovia regarding SCT. Politicians want the Warsaw Council resolution to be declared invalid.
On Thursday, the Warsaw Council, with the support of KO council members, adopted a resolution establishing the Clean Transport Zone (SCT), which will curb car traffic in the capital starting July 2024.
We oppose the Warsaw Council’s decision to introduce SCT. If the council can set it up, it can withdraw it as well.
– said Skwierawski.
He announced that Stopkorkom plans to collect at least tens of thousands of signatures to request a referendum.
We want to clarify that the authorities’ rejection of him signals their arrogance.
– he added.
He explained that if, for any reason, such as securing EU funds, SCT must be introduced, then it should be limited to the administrative area of the Old Town and the decision to implement it should be preceded by a referendum.
According to Stopkorkom, the SCT is not expected to significantly improve Warsaw’s air quality. He recalled that during the lockdown, dust levels were similar to the previous two years, carbon monoxide levels were comparable, and there was only an 8% decrease in nitrogen dioxide pollution. He attributed the main cause of nitrogen dioxide to global warming.
Stopkorkom contends that the Clean Transport Zone poses a real threat to residents’ health.
There are 11 public hospitals within the zone, including facilities active in transplantation. Patients who have undergone a transplant or are undergoing cancer treatment and do not have access to a car to reach SCT-related appointments could face difficulties. For them, even taxi rides may be risky because drivers cannot be expected to disinfect the vehicle before each trip.
– said Skwierawski.
Clean transport zone in Warsaw
On Thursday, the Warsaw Council, with the votes of KO council members, adopted a resolution on the Clean Transport Zone that will restrict car traffic in the capital from July 2024. In total, 37 council members voted in favor, 16 opposed, and two abstained.
The zone will cover the entire Śródmieście district and parts of Wola, Ochota, Praga Północ and Praga Południe.
By the end of 2027, not only residents of the zone but also all people who pay taxes and are registered in Warsaw will be exempt from SCT rules. The SCT rules will apply to them from January 2028. At that point, vehicles with diesel engines older than 13 years and petrol vehicles older than 22 years will be prohibited from driving in the zone. For companies, corporate tax and the registered office will be taken into account.
From July 2024, other drivers will be prohibited from entering the zone in a diesel vehicle older than 18 years or a petrol vehicle older than 27 years.
—
Source notes removed for clarity. All information reflects the status and debates surrounding the SCT in Warsaw as of the present day, including public concerns over health, access to healthcare, and the future regulatory timeline. Citations accompany key claims: (citation: wPolityce).