Green Party: More Bans on Studded Tires in Stockholm

Since the red-green coalition took power in Stockholm City Hall four years ago, they have done everything to worsen the situation for the capital’s motorists. Now comes yet another measure.

This week, Stockholm’s red-green government, consisting of the Social Democrats, the Left Party, and the Green Party, announced that they have decided to ban studded tires on Sveavägen, Birger Jarlsgatan, and Torsgatan as well as Vasagatan between Tegelbacken and Norra Bantorget. The ban will be introduced on October 1 next year.

– I want to create a city that is better for both Stockholmers and the planet. This is about reducing climate emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles, but also about combatting pollution that makes people sick and shortens our lives, says Lars Strömgren (Green Party), Traffic Commissioner for the City of Stockholm.

According to the Green Party, studded tires contribute to air pollution by grinding up small particles from the asphalt, which are then inhaled by people on the street. These particles are believed to be linked to heart attacks, strokes, cancer, dementia, and diabetes.

In December this year, stricter limit values for particles will be introduced, which must be met by 2030 at the latest, and the streets affected by the new ban have been selected because they are considered to be at high risk of violating the new legislation.

– These are streets where thousands of people every day cycle to school, visit shops, have a beer after work, or walk with prams. It’s actually offensive that the air is dangerous to breathe, says Lars Strömgren.

Photo: Alexandar Vujadinovic, CC BY-SA 4.0

More Streets

Currently, bans on studded tires already exist on Hornsgatan, Kungsgatan, and Fleminggatan. Another five streets beyond those covered by the new ban might follow — Valhallavägen, Sankt Eriksgatan, Långholmsgatan, Götgatan, and Ringvägen. Stockholm’s preliminary assessment is that these streets should have a ban on studded tires starting October 1, 2029.

– Stockholm’s red-green administration has ramped up the fight against harmful particles and exhaust fumes. We are now establishing that the city needs more bans on studded tires, to be introduced in stages. In total, we are targeting over ten kilometers of roadway. The first step is four boulevard streets in Norrmalm.