2019/0325/A
EC/EFTA
AT Austria
  • B30 - Environment
2019-10-07
2019-07-12

The provisions relate to the use of class M passenger vehicles as taxis in a part of the city of Linz.

Ordinance of the Governor of Upper Austria laying down the minimum emission standards for the operation of taxis in parts of the city of Linz

With the continuation of the air quality programme to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution in Linz, as required by § 9a(6) of the Air Pollution Control Act [Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft], an air redevelopment area is to be created in the inner city area of the city of Linz, which builds on the programme from 2011.

In this redevelopment area, the limit for the annual average for nitrogen dioxide of 40 μg/m³, as set out in the Air Quality Directive, is being exceeded. The main causes of this are traffic emissions and emissions from older petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles.

In light of the large contingent of older vehicles in the taxi fleet, as well as the large amount of distances driven daily, a minimum emission standard for taxis will be introduced with effect from 1 July 2020. From this date, petrol-powered vehicles with an emissions standard of Euro 2 or lower and diesel-powered vehicles with an emissions standard of Euro 3 or lower can no longer be operated as taxis in the redevelopment area.

To support the conversion of the fleet, a subsidy programme is initiated by the province of Upper Austria, providing financial support for the conversion to emission-neutral vehicles.

The minimum emission standards serve to keep the air clean and protect the health of the population. There will not be any relevant adverse effects on the free movement of goods and services with the ‘motor vehicle’ product that would be subject to notification.