Netherlands' Helmond delays zero‑emission zone; Rotterdam leads fines enforcement

The municipality of Helmond announced that a zero‑emission zone for diesel, gasoline and LPG trucks will not be introduced before 2030. Research on the feasibility is scheduled for 2028‑2029, and no financial provisions or specific street designations have been set yet. Consequently, local businesses face no current penalties, and the city’s broader mobility plan aims to shift traffic to the outskirts and gradually make the centre more pedestrian‑friendly.

Since the nationwide rollout of zero‑emission zones on 1 January 2025, Rotterdam has issued the largest share of fines in the Netherlands. Between January 2025 and May 2026, the city recorded about 29 000 fines and sent nearly 28 000 warning letters, accounting for more than half of all penalties handed to the CJIB. Other municipalities such as The Hague, Haarlem and Tilburg have issued far fewer fines, reflecting differences in zone size and enforcement timing.