Banning Diesel Cars in City Centers

Mexico City, Paris, Madrid, and Athens will ban diesel cars and vans by 2025.

1 minute read

December 7, 2016, 11:00 AM PST

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


Famous Mexico City traffic

rutlo / Flickr

"Four of the world’s biggest cities are to ban diesel vehicles from their centres within the next decade, as a means of tackling air pollution, with campaigners urging other city leaders to follow suit," reports Fiona Harvey for The Guardian. Each of the four capitals have had their own issues with air pollution. "Recent research has uncovered the scale of the problem, with 3 million premature deaths a year attributed to dirty air, as well as millions of other illnesses, particularly in children," Harvey writes.

Mexico City, Paris, Athens, and Madrid will put the complete ban in place by 2025. Diesel is a major contributor to air pollution, and diesel cars have been under increasing scrutiny since last year when, "Volkswagen Group was engulfed by scandal when it was discovered that some of its diesel cars contained technology to disguise the true level of their harmful emissions," Harvey writes.

Friday, December 2, 2016 in The Guardian

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

For Lease painted on window of vacant commercial space.

2024: The Year in Zoning

Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.

January 8, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

Close-up of person holding hand-written "Affordable Homes Now!" sign.

America’s Housing Crisis: Lessons Ignored and Challenges Ahead

A recent study reveals how decades of policy missteps, demographic shifts, and economic forces fueled America’s housing crisis, leaving millions — especially millennials — struggling amid rising demand, racial disparities, and climate-driven emergencies.

January 19 - USC Today

Homes in Altadena, California with mountains in background on a sunny day.

Altadena’s Resilience: Restoring a Fire-Ravaged Community

The Eaton Fire has devastated Altadena, destroying homes, cultural landmarks, and community institutions, while residents rally to rebuild and preserve the town's rich history, diversity, and neighborly character.

January 19 - NBC News

View up at Chicago elevated train line with train passing and glass high-rises in background.

Chicago Transit Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package

Public transit across the Chicagoland region could suffer massive cuts without additional funding.

January 19 - Bloomberg CityLab