Answer given by Ms Vălean on behalf of the European Commission
3.5.2023
The Commission has launched projects to provide a better understanding of how to improve the data exchanges on low emission zones and ensure efficient single market functioning.
These are the Urban Vehicle Access Regulations ( UVAR) Box[1] and UVAR Exchange projects. UVAR Box has been recently completed and UVAR Exchange is expected to deliver its final results by spring 2023.
Based on the analysis of the findings of both studies, and in response to the 2021 new EU urban mobility framework[2], the Commission plans to launch a dedicated study in 2023 which aims at mapping and clarifying which interoperable digital and technical solutions would be available to enable more effective and user-friendly urban vehicle access regulations, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity.
Such solutions will amongst others assess digital approaches for demonstrating UVAR compliance, which is the goal of current (physical) eco-stickers.
Regarding the procedure for obtaining emission stickers, the Single Digital Regulation 2018/1724[3] stipulates that such stickers issued by a public body or institution must be fully available online by 12 December 2023 according to Articles 6, 39 and Annex II.
Information on national traffic rules (such as UVARs) should have been made available by municipal authorities by 12 December 2022 according to Articles 2(a), 39 and Annex I (C5).