The City Council of Palma has adjusted its approach to implementing fines for violators of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) regulations. While initial plans suggested a full-year moratorium in 2025, the city will now begin issuing penalties starting July 1st.
Palma’s LEZ officially came into effect on January 1, 2025. The restrictions target older, more polluting vehicles, barring their access to the city centre. Initially, the Council’s Mobility Department proposed a three-month grace period. This was later extended to a year but has now been finalised as a six-month moratorium, ending June 30th.
The adjustment period allows residents and businesses to adapt to the regulations, register their vehicles in the municipal database, and understand the requirements. According to the Council, this timeline ensures a smoother transition and compliance with the new system.
Vehicle eligibility and restrictions
The LEZ encompasses the central area of Palma, bordered by Avingudes and Passeig Mallorca. Gasoline vehicles registered before January 2000 are prohibited from entering the zone. The same goes for diesel vehicles registered before January 2006. However, exceptions apply to residents, healthcare vehicles, and specific commercial transport. Vehicles do not need to display the DGT environmental label but must meet specific emission standards, which can be verified online.
The Council estimates that only 4% of vehicles in Palma—those over 20 years old—fail to meet the criteria. To encourage compliance, notifications will be sent to violators’ homes during the moratorium, though these warnings will not carry fines until July.
Preparing for enforcement
To support the LEZ rollout, the city has installed license plate reading cameras at all access points. These systems are being tested during the moratorium to ensure they function correctly. Once active, violators will face fines of €200 per infraction.
The government designed the six-month suspension also to facilitate public education about the LEZ. The Mobility Department plans to provide clear information on access, circulation, and parking rules within the restricted area. This includes guiding drivers on registering vehicles without DGT labels in the municipal database.
Criticism and calls for improvement
The revised timeline has drawn criticism from the opposition PSOE party, which labelled the changes as “improvised.” They argue that clear communication and complementary measures, such as enhanced public transport and expanded infrastructure for electric vehicles, are essential for the LEZ’s success. Specific suggestions include increasing the frequency of EMT bus services, adding more Bicipalma stations, and expanding electric charging points.
Where are Palma’s LEZs?
The LEZ in Palma encompasses the historic city centre, stretching from the seaside promenade to the boundary of Avingudes. Key affected streets include Avenida Gabriel Roca, Passeig Mallorca, Avenida Portugal, and Plaça d’Espanya. Restrictions will gradually expand through 2027, aligning with European sustainability goals. The City Council has also introduced exemptions for residents, public services, and specific commercial vehicles, ensuring accessibility while promoting cleaner air in this bustling urban hub.