The Małopolska Voivodeship Krzysztof Jan Klęczar made a key decision that could radically change the future of the Clean Transport region (SCT) in Krakow. This week, the Provincial Administrative Court will receive a complaint against the resolution of the City Council of Krakow, which introduced controversial fees and restrictions for drivers. This decision raises questions about the future destiny of the SCT and has direct consequences for thousands of inhabitants of Małopolska, especially those commuters to the regional capital. The main charge of the voivode is unequal treatment of drivers from Krakow and from outside the citywhich has sparked widespread protests and controversy since the adoption of the resolution.
Why did the Provincial sue the SCT?
Krzysztof Jan Klęczar, the Małopolski Voivodeship, informed on Tuesday that his decision to challenge the resolution on the Clean Transport region stems from perceived legal and social shortcomings. The key issue is discrimination against people surviving outside Krakow. As the voivode emphasized, “anyone who is registered in Krakow and has a registered car will be able to decision around the region until the death of the method vehicle. However, individual who lives virtually 500 metres or a kilometer away, but already outside the administrative boundaries of Krakow, will gotta pay for this entry".
The voivode pointed out many voices of opposition. The authorities of the districts and municipalities neighbouring Krakow, as well as the Małopolska Agricultural Chamber, expressed their discontent with the proposed form of the SCT. These arguments were crucial to the decision to mention the case to court. The defeat besides suggested that the resolution should undergo changes that would guarantee equal treatment for all residents of the region and possibly give more time to adapt to the fresh regulations, given the natural withdrawal of old cars from the roads.
What did she foretell about the Clean Transport Zone?
The resolution on the SCT, adopted by the Councillors of Krakow on 12 June, was to enter into force January 1, 2026. The region was to cover the area of the city inside the 4th motorway-express bypass. Its main objective, according to Kraków officials, was to reduce air contamination with harmful nitrogen oxides by 30-40 percent, which was to be confirmed by investigation carried out on behalf of the city office.
According to the first assumptions, no older petrol cars with Euro below 4 (or produced before 2005) and diesels with Euro below 6 (or produced before 2014 and for trucks and buses before 2012) would enter the SCT without paying a fee. The most controversial point afraid fees: people surviving outside Krakow whose cars did not meet the standards were to pay for entry. Entry costs are PLN 2.5 per hr or PLN 5 per night in 2026, and in 2027 already PLN 15 per night. Monthly subscriptions, from PLN 100 in 2026 to PLN 500 in 2028 were besides provided. The inhabitants of Krakow, who purchased cars before 26 June (the day of entry into force of the resolution), were exempted from these rules and could usage their vehicles without time.
Further destiny of the Clean Transport region in Kraków
To challenge the resolution by the voivode to the Provincial Administrative Court means that the destiny of the Kraków SCT is uncertain. If the court yet finds that this resolution is invalid, the City Council of Krakow will face the request to re-determine the rules of functioning of the zone. As the Voivode of Klęczar stressed, the establishment of the region is not a "individual invention of the City Council of Krakow", but a consequence of the air protection program adopted by the Sejm of Małopolska Province. This means that the city is obliged to introduce specified a zoneHowever, its form may change significantly.
The voivode hopes to make solutions that will be more equitable and take into account the needs of all residents of the region. This could mean introducing more flexible deadlines, changing vehicle criteria or harmonising rules for all drivers, regardless of where they live. The decision of the WSA will so be crucial for the future of transport in Krakow and air quality in the region.
Consequences for Drivers and Residents of Małopolska
For drivers arriving in Krakow, the decision of the voivods is simply a light in the tunnel. possible annulment of the resolution may mean postponement or relaxation of strict fees and restrictionswhich were to enter into force since 2026. This would be peculiarly felt for people surviving just outside Krakow, who would be forced to pay for regular commute to work or to the university, while their neighbors from Krakow, having identical vehicles, would be exempt from these charges.
Regardless of the final judgement of the court, the SCT case in Krakow became a precedent. It underlines the request to make green solutions, which at the same time will be socially equitable and will not discriminate against individual groups of residents. Further improvement of the situation will be closely observed by the inhabitants of Małopolska and another Polish cities, which besides consider the introduction of akin zones.
Read more:
Voivoda sues the SCT in Krakow. No more unequal treatment of drivers?
