The proposal to expand Warsaw’s Clean Transport Zone (STC) has sparked debate about its size and reach. Urszula Zielińska, a member of the KO party, argued in a PAP Studio interview that the SCT should be broadened in major polluted cities. She pointed out that the current zone feels too small and riddled with exceptions, making it barely noticeable to residents and visitors alike.
Last Thursday the Warsaw City Council, with KO votes, adopted the SCT resolution. The plan will restrict car traffic in the capital starting July 2024. It sets an entry ban for diesel cars older than 18 years and petrol cars older than 27 years. The SCT will cover Śródmieście and portions of Warsaw’s central districts.
Supporters welcomed the move, but emphasized room for growth. One KO MP indicated that while it is a positive step, the zone needs to be bigger and more ambitious. The aim is clear: the smaller the zone, the less impact it makes. The goal is to normalize the policy and push for broader adoption in other cities facing severe air pollution.
Zielińska stressed that the policy should target the most polluted cities, noting that many Polish urban areas struggle with seriously poor air quality. She cited concerns about seniors who may struggle to replace old vehicles, suggesting they can still access faster travel options via suburban rail. The plan emphasizes shifting residents toward public transport, which could lower commuting costs and ease congestion.
She also cautioned against dramatizing the SCT. The zone may be limited in scope with numerous exemptions, but it marks a meaningful step and a precedent for future expansion. For visitors and residents, the initial footprint might feel modest, yet its long-term effects could be more noticeable as authorities refine the rules and broaden coverage.
On the topic of leadership and travel choices, Zielińska indicated she would encourage Donald Tusk, the head of the PO, to travel to Sopot by train rather than by government aircraft. The argument hinges on the convenience of rail travel to the Tricity area and the comfort it provides for such trips.
According to the adopted resolution, people living in the SCT area who pay taxes in Warsaw will be exempt from SCT requirements until January 2028. After that date, diesel vehicles older than 13 years and petrol cars older than 22 years would be restricted from entering the zone. A further exemption exists for seniors who turn 70 in 2023 and owned their vehicle before the SCT adoption. With certain conditions met, these seniors will remain exempt from the SCT rules indefinitely.
Additional exemptions cover specific vehicle categories, including services such as ambulances, police, fire brigades, and border guards. Vehicles used by people with disabilities may also be exempt. There are municipal exemptions for antique and historic vehicles that meet insurer-approved definitions for use in roles like breakdown assistance or hearses. Occasional municipal exemptions permit travel to essential locations such as hospitals or exam sites, with a limit on the number of allowed trips per year.
As the plan progresses, observers expect the policy to be refined. The city remains focused on balancing environmental goals with practical mobility needs for residents, seniors, and essential services. The SCT is presented as an initial framework with potential for growth and adjustability in the years ahead, rather than a definitive final configuration.
Tusk’s travels
Zielińska also stated that she would urge the leader of the Civic Platform to choose rail travel for trips to Sopot whenever possible, highlighting the efficiency and comfort of train journeys to the Tri-City area.
Proponents hope the policy will encourage a shift toward public transit, reduce emissions, and pave the way for more expansive clean transport measures in Poland’s largest cities. Critics warn that exemptions could blunt the impact and that vulnerable groups might still face mobility challenges. Supporters emphasize practical steps: improving rail connections, expanding bus rapid transit options, and ensuring that the policy evolves with urban development and demographic needs.
The broader public discussion continues to focus on air quality improvements, the economics of car replacement, and the role of local governments in driving sustainable transport. While the initial zone may appear modest, the conversation underscores the city’s willingness to experiment with policy levers aimed at cleaner air and a healthier urban environment for all residents and visitors.