The Dutch government has abandoned its opposition to the introduction of zero-emission zones in some city centres after local authorities dug in their heels.

The plan to delay the introduction of zero-emission zones in at least 14 towns and cities was included in the coalition agreement.

However, during talks between government and city officials on Friday, it became clear that the cities are determined to press ahead, and junior environment minister Chris Jansen said he would not stand in their way.

The introduction of low or zero-emission zones is up to local authorities not national government.

The four big cities, plus several others including Maastricht, Gouda and Den Bosch, will now press ahead with their plans, which are due to come into effect next year, albeit with many exceptions, depending on age and type of vehicle.

Check which cities and vehicles are affected

Amsterdam, for example, is bringing in a transition period, but from 2028 all but electric cars and vans will be banned from the city centre.  The Hague’s transition period will run up to 2030.

The plans to ban older diesel cars and vans are causing headaches for small businesses. Some 200,000 company vehicles will fall foul of the new rules when they start coming into effect in January and need to be replaced with electric vans.

“Some engineers have already said they will no longer carry out maintenance work on central heating systems in Amsterdam, for example,” a spokesman for the light engineering sector Techniek Nederland told the Financieele Dagblad.

“From bakers and butchers to technicians and painters with one or just a few delivery trucks must be able to reach their customers in zero emissions zones,” employers organisation VNO-NCW said.