Measures to improve air quality in Graz

The city of Graz has been fighting for years with exceeding the limit — values for the air pollutants nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10). Significant improvements have already been achieved with the establishment of the IG-L remediation area “Greater Graz area” and the implementation of various measures to reduce emissions. However, more are necessary. Together with experts from TU Graz, the Federal Environment Agency analysed and evaluated two concrete instruments on behalf of the City of Graz regarding their potential to improve air quality: the levying of a city toll and the regulation of car-free days. The results show that both measures can effectively reduce traffic volumes and thus the environmental impact. As an overall concept, Citymaut has long-term advantages over the car-free day.