Spain’s Cabinet is expected to approve a decree requiring municipalities with more than 50,000 residents to enforce restrictions on polluting vehicles in low-emission zones, including by applying fines without transitional arrangements that delay enforcement. The measure is intended to address zones that exist on paper but do little to reduce traffic or pollution.
The proposed change would amend Royal Decree 1052/2022, which regulates low-emission zones. Under the new requirements, municipalities covered by the rules would have to document that restrictions on vehicle access, circulation and parking are in force, and that systems for controlling access and monitoring results are operating.
The Environment Ministry says the first years of implementation exposed shortcomings, including lengthy periods without fines, zones with no restrictions based on vehicles’ emissions, and areas too small to make a meaningful difference. Spain’s climate law required the country’s 151 largest cities to establish a low-emission zone from 2023, though some municipalities have yet to comply.
The decree would also require local ordinances to include and apply the penalties provided for under national traffic rules. The government says this would make restrictions enforceable and allow their effectiveness to be assessed.
The reform is also intended to provide municipalities with greater legal certainty. The ministry says evidence that a zone meets the requirements could help assess its effectiveness and inform decisions on funding for sustainable urban transport. Under existing rules, municipalities must have a low-emission zone in force to qualify for state public-transport subsidies; cities that received Next Generation funds to establish a zone may have to repay them if it is not implemented.
Sources: El País Sociedad.