Google Maps will alert drivers when entering a low-emission zone

Google Maps introduced a new feature alerting drivers before they enter a low-emission zone with fees or fines, the company said in a blog post.  

The application aims to help drivers in detecting these areas beforehand, as it is not clear where these zones begin.  

During this stage, the navigation app will begin rolling out this feature to drivers across Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, London, and Paris. 

Currently, London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) covers an area within Mayfair, in the west, to Whitechapel, in the east. In addition to Clerkenwell, in the north, to Lambeth in the south. 

Drivers in London, who own older vehicles below modern emission standards must pay $17.38 if they enter a low-emission zone, in addition, to a separate $20.86 congestion charge. 

Similarly, within Paris low-emission zones drivers are obliged to have a windscreen sticker certifying their emissions status.  

In case the sticker is not provided, car drivers are fined $80.71, while bigger vehicles must pay $159. “The alerts will appear when planning a trip that goes through a low-emission zone and when nearing a zone while already en route to the destination,” Google highlighted. 

The popular search engine explained that drivers will be able to choose an alternative mode of transportation or take another route. 

In a separate project, Google announced earlier in March, that it will start directing drivers to routes it calculates to be the most eco-friendly based on a list of factors. 

The search engine initiative is said to be part of its commitment to fight climate change. Google announced that the feature will launch later this year in the U.S. and the project will be expanded globally in a later stage.