Else Beekman
A proposed low-emission zone (ZBE) in Mijas Pueblo, one of Málaga’s most iconic ‘pueblos blancos’, is designed to reduce traffic and improve air quality. But local business owners fear economic fallout.
It sounds like a logical step towards a greener future: fewer polluting vehicles in the historic heart of Mijas Pueblo. The local council is working on plans for a ‘Zona de Bajas Emisiones’ (ZBE), in line with EU legislation that requires towns with more than 50,000 inhabitants to implement such zones. But what’s meant to be an environmental measure is meeting strong resistance. Especially from business owners in this popular white village on the Costa del Sol.
ZBE limited to the village centre
The proposed ZBE would be confined to the charming, whitewashed centre of Mijas Pueblo, a major tourist attraction and an area where parking is already limited. According to Mobility Councillor Marco Cortés, the aim is to reduce the number of external vehicles and improve air quality. Residents and businesses within the zone would retain access, regardless of the type of vehicle they use.
The zone would have five main entry points: the junction of Calle Campos and Camino de los Caños, the eastern entrance via Avenida de México, Plaza de los Siete Caños, Avenida Virgen de la Peña, and the junction of Calle Cantera and Calle Matadero. These streets would mark the boundaries of the new emission-restricted area.
Why only a ZBE for Mijas Pueblo?
Still, many local business owners remain unconvinced. “There’s no solid emissions study backing this,” said Martín Gómez, president of local business association ACIM, during a community meeting held last Thursday. He criticised the lack of public consultation: “Mijas Pueblo has been singled out without involving the community.” He argued that a broader technical analysis might reveal that other neighbourhoods — such as La Cala or Las Lagunas — are greater contributors to pollution.
Gómez also stressed that the plan lacks an economic assessment. “This kind of measure must be backed by a thorough impact study on local trade,” he said. “And there must be adequate infrastructure to support it, which we simply don’t have. In Mijas Pueblo, there just isn’t enough parking.”
Natalia Martínez, a councillor from the opposition PSOE party, also attended the meeting. She believes the council should have consulted residents before putting the plan forward. “Yes, this is an EU-mandated law, so it has to be implemented,” she said. “But it must be done in a way that considers all relevant factors. Mijas Pueblo is a unique part of the municipality with its own specific characteristic, and those should be respected.”
Registration and fines
Access to the ZBE would be monitored using automatic number plate recognition. Only registered vehicles would be allowed to enter. These include not just residents, but also people with disabilities, essential service providers, and those with medical conditions that prevent them from using public transport.
Violations would incur fines ranging from €100 to €500. Repeat offenders could see those fines increase by 30%. The council promises a phased rollout: in the first year, most vehicles will still be allowed access, but restrictions will tighten over time.
Parking pressure as a key issue
According to the local government, the plan isn’t only about emissions, it’s also about reclaiming space. “In summer, we already redirect traffic to the municipal car park and the old quarry,” said Cortés. The ZBE would reinforce this approach and aim to reduce noise, pollution and congestion, creating a more liveable village centre.