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 Sep 4, 2008
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Driving to Spiel 08? Read This First
A number of cities in Germany have adopted low emission zone, or LEZ, regulations which require cars driving through the city centers to bear an “Umwelt Plakette” (emission badge) to show that they emit an acceptable level of particulates. Fail to have a sticker, and you can be fined €40, even if you’re in a rental car or a non-European resident.
Why is this relevant for gamers? Because the LEX policy took effect in Essen on September 1, 2008, and while the Messe where Spiel will be held in October is outside the restricted travel zone (as I understand it), if you need to drive through the center of town – or you just get lost – you could be hit with a fine.
If you’re renting a car in Europe, make sure to request a vehicle that meets the LEZ standards. If you need to purchase a sticker, I suggest visiting the TÜV NORD website as it includes information in English for where inspection stations are located and how to order a sticker online. (Head to this page for a list of other German cities where LEZ restrictions are already in place or will be soon.)
Thanks to Derek Carver for passing along this information!
Posted by W. Eric Martin on Sep 5, 2008 at 04:00 AM in News, Convention Preview News / 32
