Spain’s government has approved changes to the rules governing Low Emission Zones (LEZs), requiring municipalities to put effective restrictions in place for the most polluting vehicles. The stated aim is to improve air quality in cities and ensure the zones operate with the safeguards set out in the regulations.
The amendment responds to problems identified during the first years of implementation, including lengthy delays before fines took effect and zones with no access restrictions based on vehicles’ pollution levels. The environment ministry has also pointed to areas that were too limited in scope, including places that already had traffic restrictions but were presented as LEZs without expanding them.
Under the revised rules, municipalities must document that their zones meet the requirements. They must notify authorities when restrictions on vehicle access, circulation and parking take effect, and demonstrate that access-control, monitoring and tracking systems are operating.
Cities must also update their local ordinances to apply the penalties provided for under national traffic law, without transitional arrangements that postpone enforcement. The reform further aims to give municipalities greater legal certainty in exercising their powers over traffic and mobility.
The framework dates back to Royal Decree 1052/2022, approved in December 2022. It requires LEZs in municipalities with more than 50,000 residents, island territories, and municipalities with more than 20,000 residents that exceed air-quality limits.
Sources: elDiario.es.