Bucharest City Hall Faced with Penalties by Environmental Agency for Neglecting Air Quality Improvements and Green Space Expansion
Bucharest City Hall has been slapped with a substantial fine of RON 100,000 (over EUR 20,000) by the Environmental Guard for failing to implement several environmental measures, particularly those concerning air quality and green space management. The punishment follows repeated inspections that exposed the city's lack of compliance with earlier directives, as stated in the official announcement.
The Green Spaces Registry, a legal requirement since 2007, is one of the primary concerns not met. The absence of this document impedes the city from having a clear understanding of its green areas and strategizing for their protection and expansion. The Environmental Guard points out that the registry is essential to preserve designated green spaces from being repurposed for construction.
The city's delay in finalizing the Integrated Air Quality Plan is another major issue, as it contradicts the commitments made to the European Commission and national legislation. The Environmental Guard has set a new deadline of June 6, 2025, for the plan’s completion.
Traffic-related pollution remains a significant challenge, with no clear measures in place to restrict vehicle access during peak pollution periods. The city has also fallen short in implementing mobility projects, such as an urban transport master plan, which has further complicated air quality issues.
Apart from the fine, the Environmental Guard has ordered Bucharest City Hall to take corrective actions, including the completion of the Green Spaces Registry, finalization of the air quality plan, and implementation of long-overdue pollution reduction measures. The city is also required to fulfill previous commitments, such as planting 75,000 trees, installing electric vehicle charging stations, and completing public transport upgrades.
When it comes to addressing air quality, green space management, and traffic-related pollution, potential measures could involve promoting public transport, implementing traffic restrictions, encouraging electric vehicles, creating a Green Spaces Register, urban planning policies that prioritize green spaces, urban greening plans, adopting the "15-Minute City" concept, traffic management systems, and public awareness campaigns about the importance of minimizing car usage. Aligning these measures with broader EU environmental goals would be beneficial for Bucharest City Hall in resolving its pressing environmental issues.
- In response to the city's lack of progress, the Environmental Guard suggests promoting public transit as a potential solution to combat traffic-related pollution.
- Recognizing the importance of green spaces in managing climate-change effects, the Environmental Guard emphasizes the need for Bucharest City Hall to complete the Green Spaces Registry.
- To ensure compliance with international environmental standards, the city must finalize the Integrated Air Quality Plan, involving financial aspects (finance) and industry-wide transformations (transportation) towards reducing air pollution.
