Italy Delays Euro 5 Diesel Vehicle Ban in Po Valley
The Chamber of Deputies postpones structural traffic restrictions for Euro 5 diesel vehicles until 2027.
1Legislative Postponement Approved
The Italian Chamber of Deputies has officially approved a decree delaying the ban on Euro 5 diesel vehicles. Originally scheduled for October 1, 2026, the restriction is now pushed to October 1, 2027. This measure specifically targets the Po Valley regions, including Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto, affecting their current air quality plans.
2Regional Flexibility Remains
Despite the state-level delay, the four affected regions retain the authority to implement earlier restrictions if they choose. They may also opt for alternative compensatory measures instead of a structural ban. These local actions must ensure equivalent reductions in pollutants and remain fully consistent with existing European Union environmental obligations and standards.
3History of Repeated Delays
This legislative action marks the second postponement of the Euro 5 circulation ban within three years. A 2023 decree initially set the deadline for October 1, 2025, which was later shifted to 2026 by a subsequent decree. The current parliamentary approval confirms the government's ongoing strategy to adjust timelines for these specific environmental mandates.
4Defining Euro 5 Vehicles
The restrictions apply to diesel vehicles typically registered between 2011 and 2015, preceding the mandatory Euro 6 standard. While these vehicles met stricter requirements than older models, they still emit significantly higher levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter compared to modern vehicles. These classifications are based on European standards established since 1993.
5Scope of Affected Categories
The decree encompasses passenger cars and commercial vehicles categorized as N1, N2, and N3. Category N1 includes freight vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, while N2 and N3 cover heavier vehicles ranging from 3.5 to over 12 tonnes. All these classifications are subject to the same diesel-specific emission limitations defined by the new legislation.
6Current Regional Implementation Status
As of the September 2026 deferral date, no structural circulation ban for Euro 5 diesel vehicles was effectively in force across the four Po Valley regions. Although all regions had previously integrated the restriction into their air quality planning tools, they had already aligned their local timelines with the evolving state-level legislative deadlines.
7Regional Adjustments and Compliance
Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto had already replaced or postponed the planned limitations through various compensatory measures. Lombardy also formally aligned with the new timeline, with its regional executive council issuing a resolution on September 28, 2026, to officially defer the Euro 5 diesel vehicle restrictions until the October 1, 2027, deadline.
8Broader Environmental Policy Context
The ongoing debate reflects the challenge of balancing strict European emission standards with local economic and logistical realities. By delaying the ban, the government provides more time for fleet renewal in the industrial Po Valley. Future developments will depend on whether regions can achieve necessary air quality improvements through alternative, less disruptive measures.
Original article: Il Sole 24 Ore – Italia — Italy Delays Euro 5 Diesel Vehicle Ban in Po Valley