In recent years, many Spanish cities have adopted measures to combat environmental pollution, especially through the implementation of Low Emission Zones (ZBE). This effort not only seeks to improve the air quality, but also to comply with international objectives such as the Paris Agreement and the European guidelines. Cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Granada o Valladolid, among others, have already begun to implement these measures.
As we move towards a more sustainable future, LEZs have become an essential tool to improve air quality and reduce polluting emissions. But what exactly do these types of zones mean in our cities?
What is a Low Emission Zone?
A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) It is a geographically delimited area where access is restricted. most polluting vehicles. The main objective is to reduce the presence of harmful particles in the air, such as NOx and PM, in favor of low or zero emission vehicles, such as hybrid y electrical.
In Spain, the key tool to implement these zones is the DGT environmental labelling, which classifies vehicles according to their emission levels. Only vehicles with labels ECO o Zero Emissions have full freedom of access in these areas, while those without labeling face severe restrictions.
Monitoring of these areas is carried out by a computerized system that detects license plates of vehicles through strategically installed cameras. This allows for the application of automatic sanctions to the owners of vehicles that fail to comply with the regulations.
Benefits of Low Emission Zones
The benefits of LEZs go beyond the reduction of polluting emissions. Thanks to these measures, the following are also achieved:
- Improve air quality, which has a positive impact in public health.
- Reducing urban noise, creating more habitable and peaceful spaces.
- Promote the transition to sustainable modes of transportas the Bike, public transport and electric vehicles.
- Reduce traffic congestion, facilitating a smoother mobility.
Which vehicles are affected?
Restrictions usually apply to older vehicles and higher levels of polluting emissions. For example: uterine
- Pre-Euro 3 petrol passenger cars (registered before 2000).
- Pre-Euro 4 diesel cars (registered before 2006).
- Motorcycles and mopeds registered before January 2003.
In addition, exceptions are contemplated, such as vehicles of essential services (police, ambulances, firefighters) and those designated to transport people with reduced mobility. There are also special permits for residents and temporary authorizations for foreign vehicles that comply with certain regulations.
The role of the DGT environmental badges
The environmental badges issued by the DGT are divided into the following categories:
- Zero emissions: electric or hybrid vehicles with a range of more than 40 km.
- ECO label: hybrids with less autonomy or powered by natural gas.
- Label C: gasoline vehicles registered from 2006 and diesel from 2014.
- Label B: gasoline vehicles registered between 2000 and 2005, and diesel vehicles between 2006 and 2013.
It is important to note that vehicles without a label cannot access the ZBE, except in exceptional cases.
Spanish cities with Low Emission Zones
From 2023, all Spanish cities with more than 50.000 inhabitants are required to develop a ZBE plan, affecting a total of 145 municipalitiesHowever, only a small percentage have fully implemented these zones.
Among the pioneering cities in Spain are:
- Madrid (Madrid Central and Madrid 360).
- Barcelona (Rondas Least Area).
- Bilbao.
- Cordova.
- Granada.
Likewise, cities like Sevilla, Valencia y Murcia are in the process of developing their ZBEs, with some planned to come into operation during 2024.
Fines and penalties
Penalties for failing to comply with the regulations of a ZBE can range from 90 and 200 euros, depending on the city. This seeks to discourage the entry of polluting vehicles and encourage compliance with regulations.
To avoid fines, it is crucial to check whether the vehicle complies with the regulations of each area and, if necessary, resort to the special permits availables.
The implementation of Low Emission Zones is an essential step towards a more sustainable mobility model and a better quality of life in our cities. Although there is still much to be done, these zones represent a necessary change to face the climatic and environmental challenges of the future.