Low emissions zone plan
Introduction
A low emissions zone (ZBE),[1] also called Urban Protected Atmosphere Zones (ZUAP),[2] is a geographically defined area that seeks to restrict or deter the access of certain polluting vehicles or only allow access to low-emission vehicles (such as bicycles, micromobility vehicles, normal hybrids, plug-in vehicles or pure electric vehicles), with the purpose of reducing air pollution.
ZBE in Europe
Contenido
Alrededor de 320 ciudades de toda Europa han puesto en marcha o están preparando zonas de bajas emisiones para alcanzar los valores límites de calidad del aire basados en la salud de la Unión Europea.[3] Esto significa que los vehículos pueden ser prohibidos o, en algunos casos, deben pagar un tributo si quieren entrar en las LEZ cuando sus emisiones están por encima del nivel establecido.
Spain
The main Low Emission Zones in Spain are the Barcelona Rondas Low Emission Zone and the Madrid Central District. However, the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law, approved in May 2021, requires the establishment of ZBEs in Spanish cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants before 2023.[4].
Low Emission Zones (ZBE) are urban or metropolitan areas geographically delimited for the application of measures aimed at improving air quality.
One of the tools for the creation and management of ZBE is the promotion of less polluting forms of mobility, generating infrastructure that prioritizes walkability and cyclability, in addition to offering public transport services, generating a greater diversity of offers of means of transport that reduce the use of private cars.[5].
Furthermore, in terms of vehicles, car-sharing systems are promoted and vehicle labeling has been included taking into account their level of emissions. Labeling allows vehicles to be classified into five categories, according to their emissions of some pollutants, specifically NOx and PM10:[2].
In the case of Spain, vehicles have been classified since April 2016 as follows: