Find out what exemptions are being considered to allow the most polluting vehicles to enter these restricted areas
The deadline for introducing low-emission zones is 2023, so before the end of the year, cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants must limit the access and movement of the most polluting vehicles to the center of their city. Although the name was already included in the climate change law and Madrid and Barcelona have already drafted the corresponding traffic rules, it is now the turn of the rest of the territories. In total, there are 149 municipalities that must implement this plan to reduce pollution in urban centers.
Environmental signs are used to restrict access and traffic in the areas designated as Low Emission Zones. Although they have been active for years, having a 0, ECO, C and B label is now crucial to enter the city center. If, after checking your license plate, it appears that your vehicle is not entitled to any other form of environmental protection, you are not allowed to drive through these areas. Some restrictions, although more lenient, that the municipalities can also impose on B and C labeled cars, excluding those labeled 0 Emissions or ECO labeled, which are the most respectful. You can, however, ‘tune’ the car’s engine to obtain the 0 or ECO label.
Although there are measures, such as quality marks, that are imposed in the same way in all municipalities, the associated restrictions may differ per municipality. It is the town halls that have to develop the regulations for the low-emission zones. The government has published some guidelines for the establishment of the ZBE considering the possibility that each city can mark some exceptions in which cars without an environmental label can access the center of the cities. The document states that specific cases can be considered exceptions as long as they do not jeopardize compliance with the LEZ objectives. A series of exceptions are listed for the most polluting vehicles:
– Residents. People domiciled within the ZBE will be allowed access, although the document sets out that efforts should be made to keep exceptions to the minimum necessary and, where appropriate, time horizons will be set for possible suspensions of payment. In these cases, alternatives may be proposed, such as permissions for a limited number of days or different grace periods, depending on the level of household income. , for the sake of a socially just ecological transition.
– People with reduced mobility (PRM) or recognized disabilities.
– Assistance to dependents and adapted taxis.
– Public services: calamities, cleaning, waste collection and toilets
With regard to access to the center of these places with more than 50,000 inhabitants, the document of the guidelines for the creation of ZBE also allows the inclusion of a toll. The municipal authorities could activate the collection of compensation for the drivers of the most polluting cars to drive into the center of the cities, the amount of which may also vary depending on the condition of the vehicle, based on the principle “who pollutes , pays” or on congestion, based on the “user pays” principle (payment for the use of public space in the event of excess traffic). The latter could be simplified by a higher amount at peak times.
While unlabeled vehicles will not be able to circulate freely, restrictions may also be imposed on the rest, as has already happened in Madrid. The capital prohibits Type B and C persons from entering two of its metropolitan areas if they do not park in a private garage, a public parking lot or if they have a non-service parking reservation. They also have access if they have an invitation from a resident.
In the case of Barcelona, if you do not have an environmental label, you will not be able to circulate on weekdays, Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition, cars without a label can apply for a maximum of 10 authorizations (daily access) per year. These authorizations are free for those who prove economic income less than the Public Multiple Effect Income Indicator (IPREM) plus 10% of the current IPREM. However, this permit costs EUR 2 for those whose income is less than double the current public multiple effect income indicator (IPREM).
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
