Italy delays Euro 5 diesel vehicle restrictions in major cities

The Italian government has issued a decree to further delay the planned restrictions on Euro 5 diesel vehicles in major cities. This decision follows previous postponements and modifications to the regulation, which was originally intended to address severe air quality issues in the Po Valley and comply with European Union mandates.

Previously, the restrictions were set to take effect on October 1, 2026, targeting cities with populations exceeding 100,000. However, due to regional compensation and environmental measures, the ban has been pushed back further, allowing Euro 5 diesel vehicles to continue operating.

Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini welcomed the decision, criticizing the European Union’s standards as overly strict. He argued that the proposed measures would act as “indiscriminate punishments” that harm motorists and the manufacturing sector rather than facilitating a sustainable ecological transition. The ongoing dispute highlights the tension between Rome and the European Commission, as the latter threatens financial sanctions if air quality deadlines are not met.