Zero-emission zone for delivery vans and trucks

The municipality will introduce a zero-emission zone in the city centre on 1 January 2025. As of this date delivery vans and trucks driving into the zero-emission zone must be emission-free (non-polluting). There will be a transitional scheme for older delivery vans and trucks.

The Hague is 1 of 28 cities in the Netherlands where a zero-emission zone will take effect from 2025. Exhaust fumes from delivery vans and trucks produce air pollution. These vehicles are also noisy. This is bad for our health, nature and the climate. To maintain the quality of life and health in the city, the air quality needs to improve.

Which vehicles does the zero-emission zone in the centre target?

The zone targets company vehicles. These include delivery vans and trucks which are used to:

• supply shops and catering facilities
• transport materials to building sites
• deliver parcels
• do maintenance work on residential properties, such as plumbers

Is your delivery van or truck still allowed to enter the zero-emission zone?

The zero-emission zone in the centre will be introduced in phases. From 1 January 2025 all new delivery vans and trucks in the zero-emission zone must be emission-free. This means that these vehicles are not allowed to be fuel powered (i.e. diesel, petrol or gas). As of this date only vehicles powered by electricity or hydrogen may enter the zone.

Check your number plate

For older types of delivery vans and trucks, a national transitional scheme will be in place until 2030. Check whether and until when your vehicle may drive in the zero-emission zone. Check your number plate on logistiek070.com(External link).

National transitional scheme for delivery vans and trucks

Delivery vans and trucks with an emissions standard of 4 or lower are not allowed to enter the zero-emission zone as of 2025. There is a transitional scheme for delivery vans and trucks with a higher emissions standard.

Existing delivery vans (registered before 1 January 2025)

• Euro 5 delivery vans are allowed to enter the zero-emission zone until 1 January 2027.
• Euro 6 delivery vans are allowed to enter the zero-emission zone until 1 January 2028.

Existing trucks (registered before 1 January 2025)

• Euro 6 trucks (box truck or tipper truck) (no more than 5 years old on 1 January 2025) are allowed to enter the zero-emission zone until 1 January 2030.
• Euro 6 trucks (semi-trailer truck) (up to 8 years on 1 January 2025) are allowed to enter the zero-emission zone until 1 January 2030.

The transitional scheme will end as of 1 January 2030. All trucks and delivery vans must then be completely emission-free.

Where will the zero-emission zone be?

The boundaries of the zero-emission zone will be the same as for the low-emission zone for diesel cars(External link). The zero-emission zone will be located within the Centrumring (S100) and the Professor B.M. Teldersweg (S200). The Centrumring and the Professor B.M. Teldersweg will not fall within the zone. The definitive size of the zero-emission zone will be established when a policy decision is taken at the beginning of 2024.

Automatic waivers and exemptions

Your delivery van or truck might not be allowed to enter the zero-emission zone. For example, because the emissions standard of your vehicle is too low or because the vehicle is too old. Exceptions will be made for certain types of vehicles. These exceptions are also called waivers and exemptions. A waiver will be granted on the basis of the number plate of your vehicle. If you are eligible for a waiver, you will get it automatically. This means that you will not have to apply for a waiver. However, you will have to apply for an exemption yourself. There will be rules for getting an automatic waiver or exemption. These rules are nearly ready.

You will be able to apply for an exemption via a digital counter, which is now being prepared for all of the zero-emission zones in the Netherlands. This counter will be ready in the second half of 2024. More information about automatic waivers and exemptions can be found at www.opwegnaarzes.nl (in Dutch).

Help in switching to clean transport

Are you a business owner? The introduction of the zero-emission zone could have consequences for you. The introduction of the emission-free zone might seem like far in the future. However, it is important for you to already prepare now to make the switch to clean transport. The Dutch government and the municipality can help business owners with:

Subsidy

Do you want to buy or lease an emission-free company vehicle? Apply for a subsidy from the Dutch government. Using the SEBA you can get up to €5,000 back per company vehicle. Read more about the Subsidy scheme for zero-emission commercial vehicles (SEBA)(External link).

With the AanZet you will be reimbursed a percentage if you buy or lease a zero-emission truck. For more information, see Purchase subsidy zero-emission trucks (AanZet)(External link).

Free fleet scan

Do you want help switching to more sustainable or electric transport? Then you can request a free fleet scan in 2023. Using the results of the scan you can do 2 things: choose whether to switch to a (partially) electric fleet. And how to switch.

You can request more information or a free fleet scan from logistics broker Michel Oldenburg. Send an email to: michel@smartidservices.com.

Cooperation in Logistiek070 platform

The municipality is working together with business owners and trade associations in the Logistiek070 platform(External link). The platform makes plans for sustainable and smart urban logistics. Urban logistics refers to picking up and delivering products and goods within the city. Such as:

• supplying shops, catering facilities, ofices and organisations
• delivering goods to homes
• picking up products, materials and waste

Platform Logistiek070 is also preparing for the zero-emission zone in The Hague. 

More information

• Logistiek 070(External link) (for businesses in The Hague)
• Op weg naar ZES(External link)
• www.doehetzero.nl(External link) (for SMEs) 
• Low-emission zones in The Hague
• www.welkeebestelbus.nl(External link) (compare the monthly costs of your diesel vehicle with an electric car)