[Raptor235]

Congestion charges in city centers are growing in popularity with city mayors across the world, but in Germany they've gone one step further, with the introduction of new green zones in urban areas affected by air pollution.

As of 1 January motorists who wish to drive in certain areas in Berlin, Cologne and Hanover will have to display an environmental badge of their vehicle which proves it has passed emissions tests. Badges will come in three colors - red, yellow or green, to signify a car's emissions levels, and heavily polluting vehicles such as petrol cars without catalytic convertors and diesel models without particle filters will be banned from the green zones entirely.

The zone laws apply for all vehicles, including foreign cars, trucks and buses, which means tourists on European road trips will also have to comply with the new laws, or face a 40 Euro fine. German drivers who drive in a green zone without a badge will receive the fine and a penalty point on their license.You can find the entire article here http://aboutmyplanet.com/environment...-place-germany