What area will the Pure Transport Zone cover in Krakow?
The new SCT is to cover more or less Area inside the 4th beltway. “This is one of the key, subsequent activities that aim to improve air quality and living conditions in the capital of Lesser Poland,” informs Krakow.
Who will be able to enter SCT without obstacles?
The inhabitants of Krakow are to be entitled to indefinite exemptions. Owners, co -owners and long -term users (leasing, rental, business cars), will be able to enter SCT without any obstacles under the condition earlier registration vehicle in the ZTP system. However, the exemption only applies to cars acquired before the entry of the resolution (which will occur in June), although regardless of the standard of their emission. Registration will be best made online, in the created SCT management system, or at designated points in the city. The exemption will be granted after verification of documents and status owner.
From the ban on entering SCT, it will also be released:
- vehicles reported by people with a parking card for people with disability,
- vehicles bringing patients to medical facilities located in the zone, provided that the vehicle and the facility are notified in advance,
- special vehicles (e.g. construction machines, technical vehicles, motorhomes, agricultural machines), because their presence on the road is incidental and does not significantly affect air quality,
- historic vehicles, because used sporadically, often as part of cultural events.
The fee for the first three years
Vehicles not meeting standards that do not belong to the residents, for the first three years will still be able to enter Krakow, but after paying the fee. From January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028, it will be PLN 2.50 per hour. In addition, the daily fee will also apply for two years: PLN 5 per night in 2026 and PLN 15 per night in 2027. The growing will also be introduced monthly subscription: PLN 100 (in 2026), PLN 250 (in 2027), PLN 500 (in 2028). All vehicles registered outside Poland (including in the EU) will have to stay reported before the first entry.
What standards in SCT? The minimum technical requirements for vehicles are:
- Passenger cars and vans up to 3.5 tonnes:
– gasoline: euro 4 or newer (year 2005);
– diesel: EURO 6 or newer (2014); - Vehicles over 3.5 tons (e.g. trucks and buses):
– gasoline: euro 4 or newer (year 2005);
– diesel: EURO 6 or newer standard (year 2012 inclusive).
Why was SCT in Krakow delayed?
Originally, SCT was to apply in Krakow since July 2024. However, the Provincial Administrative Court in Krakow in January of the same year annulled the resolution of the Krakow City Council regarding the clean transport zone due to formal deficienciesin particular unclear limits zones and no regulation regarding traffic organization in SCT. Krakow was ahead of Warsawin which SCT was introduced in July 2024. It is true that in Krakow's Kazimierz the first SCT was already in force in 2019, but only for two months and only in a small area in the historic part of the city. It can therefore be concluded that the capital was the first to effectively implement these regulations for permanent.
Read also: Pure Transport Zones in subsequent Polish cities. The ministry gave four locations
Sources: Kraków.pl “SCT in Krakow – from January 1, 2026, with wide release for residents” (12.06.2025), TVN24 “Pure Transport Zone in Krakow to the basket. The court annulled the resolution”