From January 1, 2026, the Clean Transport Zone is to come into force in Szczecin. For now, its scope and the type of cars that will not be able to enter it are not known. The resolution of intent on this matter is intended to help the city obtain funding from the National Reconstruction Plan for the purchase of additional trams.
The decision on this matter was made by Szczecin councilors at the last session of the City Council. The reason for its introduction is to be additional points in the competition for co-financing the purchase of eight new, low-floor and bidirectional trams from the National Reconstruction Plan.
Michał Przepiera, deputy mayor of the city, explained that it was an 85% subsidy. – This amount is PLN 81 million. If we do not adopt this resolution, our chances of receiving this money may drop to zero, he argued.
Paulina Łątka from the city hall explained that the resolution adopted was only intentional. – We are currently entering the stage of working on possible solutions and the scope of operation of this zone. We have many months of analyses, public consultations and collecting votes and opinions on this subject ahead of us, she said. – The councilors' decision sets a certain course of action – she added.
The Szczecin Clean Transport Zone is to come into force on January 1, 2026.
No details are known
Krzysztof Romianowski, councilor from Law and Justice, emphasized his doubts regarding the introduction of SCT in Szczecin. – It may be a problem for entrepreneurs and poorer residents of our city. In a sense, it is a restriction of residents' freedoms, he noted. – We don't know any details. We don't know where it should be and what its scope should be, he added.
Councilor Przemysław Słowik explained that the appearance and scope of the zone will be determined after the entire project has been completed legislative process. – When we start analyzing the possibilities and needs of introducing a zone next year and go through the social consultation process, where residents will be able to comment on it, and we go through the entire legislative process on what this zone should look like, only then will we determine exactly where it will be – he said.
Councilor Maciej Kopeć pointed out that the city does not need to introduce SCT. – Taking into account the level of air pollution, from a substantive point of view, there is no need to introduce such a zone. In this respect, Szczecin is good, he said.
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Clean Transport Zone
If the councilors uphold their decision, Szczecin will be the next city in Poland to have SCT. Such a zone has been operating in Warsaw since July 1, 2024. Cities such as Kraków and Wrocław are also considering implementing this solution.
The Clean Transport Zone is an area in which only vehicles that meet specific emission standards designed to reduce air pollution can drive. They are defined according to the Euro classification. The shape and entry standards to each zone are decided by the commune in which it was established.
The boundaries of the SCT are indicated by special road signs that indicate its beginning and end.
TVN24, tvn24.pl, sctwarszawa.pl
Main photo source: Google Maps