Number of cars in operation in Milan in Italy 2010-2018

As of 2018, there were about 693 thousand automobiles in Milan, a decrease of about eight thousand units compared to the previous year. In 2018, the number of car registrations decreased for the first time since 2014. Milan was one of the cities with the lowest motorization rates in Italy, counting on average a car every two inhabitants.

Milan’s air quality problem

Despite its low motorization rate, Milan was the Italian city with the highest nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentration, well above the EU limit of 40 micrograms per cubic meters. Aside from industrial and natural sources, most NO₂ in cities is generated from motor vehicle exhaust. Curbing air pollution has been a priority for Lombardy’s capital, where, due to a combination of geographical, meteorological, and anthropogenic factors, the air quality is one of the worst in Europe.

Taking action against air pollution

Since February 2019, the municipality has introduced a series of gradual bans targeting the most polluting vehicles. By 2030, all diesel vehicles will be banned from circulating in Milan. This is only one of the measures taken by local authorities to curb smog. Public transport, cycling, and car sharing are also widely encouraged as alternatives to cars.