The introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Spain is facing significant delays. Despite a legal mandate requiring cities with over 50,000 residents to establish such zones since January 2023, only 24 cities have operational LEZs. Over 100 cities are still preparing, and 13 have yet to start the process.
Operational zones
According to the Ministry of Ecological Transition, the following cities have active LEZs:
- A Coruña
- Alcalá de Henares
- Alcobendas
- Badalona
- Barcelona and Rondes de Barcelona
- Cartagena
- Ciudad Real
- Córdoba
- Estepona
- La Linea de la Concepción
- Las Rozas de Madrid
- Leganés
- Madrid
- Pamplona
- Pontevedra
- Pozuelo de Alarcón
- Sevilla
- San Cugat del Vallés
- Sant Joan Despí
- Torrejón de Ardoz
- Tres Cantos
- Viladecans
- Zaragoza
Non-compliant cities
Carmen Duce, coordinator of the Clean Cities campaign, labels 13 cities as “rebels” for delaying the implementation. These cities include Valdemoro, Arganda, Aranjuez (Madrid), Motril (Granada), Barakaldo (Bizkaia), Ferrol (A Coruña), San Lúcar de Barrameda, El Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz), Calvià (Mallorca), Orihuela (Alicante), Telde (Gran Canaria), Mijas (Málaga), and Arona (Tenerife).
Purpose of LEZs
LEZs aim to improve air quality and public health by restricting the most polluting vehicles from city centres. However, the lack of updates from some municipalities has hindered progress. Environmental groups, including the Clean Cities campaign, emphasise the importance of these zones and urge that the issue remains apolitical to prioritise urban health.
Challenges
The Ministry of Ecological Transition has sought explanations from 127 cities and 11 islands that have yet to comply with the LEZ law. The implementation challenges are particularly pronounced in smaller municipalities, though larger cities like Barakaldo and Telde are expected to have the technical capacity to establish LEZs.
Islands lagging behind
None of the 11 main Spanish islands, part of the Balearic and Canary Islands, have established LEZs. The ministries of Transport and Ecological Transition plan to determine which zones are merely cosmetic and not effective in reducing pollution.
Funding and enforcement
From 2025, cities must have operational LEZs to receive state funding for public transportation. This measure aims to incentivise compliance. Some regions face legal challenges against LEZ implementation, with opposition arguing it infringes on freedom and lacks clear communication to citizens.
Economic concerns
Retailers in city centres fear that LEZs could further harm local businesses, which have already struggled due to the pandemic, high parking fees, and the rise of online shopping. They argue that restricting vehicle access could deter tourists and residents from visiting central areas.
The Spanish government remains committed to the LEZ initiative, viewing it as essential for improving urban air quality and public health. However, ongoing delays and opposition highlight the need for clearer communication and support to ensure successful implementation across all regions.
For more details, read: OCU’s Suggestions for Improving LEZs in Spain