German transport minister threatens weekend car ban

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GERMANY’S transport minister has warned that driving will have to be banned at the weekends unless the country’s net zero laws are changed.

Volker Wissing’s FDP party wants the law amended so the transport sector can miss emissions targets, as long as Germany as a whole reaches them. Germany’s emissions fell to the lowest level in 70 years in 2023, but the transport sector has consistently failed to meet climate targets.

Climate protection law means the ministry responsible for underperforming sectors must launch a programme to put them back on track.

In a letter to coalition parliamentary leaders on Thursday, Mr Wissing wrote that a reduction in traffic performance “would only be possible through restrictive measures” such as “nationwide

and indefinite driving bans on Saturdays and Sundays”.

The letter was heavily criticised by coalition leaders. Detlef Mueller, the SPD deputy parliamentary group leader, said: “Scaremongering through absurd proposals does not help climate protection in the transport sector at all.” Katharina Droege, parliamentary leader of the Green Party, said: “It is not responsible for a minister to stir up unfounded fears.”

The transport ministry said the minister’s letter was not a threat but rather expressed the opinion that parliament should live up to its responsibilities. A spokesman for the ministry said: “It is a minister’s responsibility to point out the dangers.”

Mr Wissing said yesterday: “I told the citizens the truth. You can only save such large amounts [of pollution] by giving up cars and trucks.”