EU Wants To Ban Gas-Burning Cars From Cities By 2050

The European Union (EU) has reportedly unveiled a plan that would ban conventionally-fueled cars from European cities by 2050.

            The International Business Times and The Telegraph in the UK have reported that the European Commission (the executive body of the EU) introduced the ban as part of a larger strategy that aims to cut carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 60% by the middle of the century.

            “That means no more conventionally-fueled cars in our city centres,” noted Siim Kallas, the EU transport commission(er). “Action will follow, legislation, real action to change behaviour.”

The European Commission also said that alternatives such as electric cars would be promoted as a means of helping cut the CO₂.

            Kallas introduced the ideas as part of a white paper on projected road, rail, and sea network needs for 2050. The paper also called for EU cities to cut the use of conventionally-fueled vehicles by 50% by 2030.

            Reaction to the plan has been harsh. According to the BBC, UK Transport Minister Norman Baker said, “We will not be banning cars from city centres anymore than we will be having rectangular bananas.”