Low Emission Zones (ZBEs) have received a formal legal framework from the government to define their rules and ensure they work effectively. While many Spanish cities are moving toward mandatory pollution-free zones, the target date of January 1, 2023, has not been met by a considerable number of municipalities.
In a recent cabinet meeting, ministers approved a royal decree that regulates LEZs. The decree requires cities to designate these zones, restrict the most polluting vehicles, and set internal emissions reduction targets for 2030. The aim is to compel affected municipalities to demonstrate measurable results from implementing LEZs.
The Climate Change Act, issued in 2021, requires island regions and cities with more than 50,000 residents, as well as those with more than 20,000 exceeding contamination thresholds, to establish a ZBE before 2023.
In March this year, the Supreme Court of Catalonia annulled the December 2019 Barcelona City Council decision that approved the ZBE. Subsequently, the Government announced a royal decree to adjust its design and prevent further judicial challenges.
That is why the decree approved this Tuesday sets minimum requirements for these areas, providing legal certainty to individuals and businesses through uniform legislation across the national territory, as highlighted by the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
It defines clear, measurable targets for LEZs and establishes minimum standards for expansion, access restrictions, and operational conditions.
ZBEs should contribute to better air quality and climate change mitigation, with measures designed to ensure compliance with noise targets, encourage modal shifts, and promote energy efficiency in transportation.
Protect health and stop climate change
On air quality, LEZ projects must deliver improvements over the baseline. The overarching objective is alignment with the 2021 World Health Organization air quality guidelines, which set recommended levels to protect public health.
For climate change mitigation, local authorities should define clear, measurable goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within LEZs by 2030. These targets should align with the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), especially the aim to reduce private car use in favor of alternative transport modes.
As long as the goals are met, exceptional access for essential vehicles that pollute the environment may still be permitted. This includes emergency services, sanitation fleets, and other services deemed vital.
Charging points and building improvements
The royal decree requires local authorities to facilitate the installation of electric charging points or the use of clean fuels such as hydrogen.
It also envisions complementary measures in the building sector, including upgrades to heating systems, energy-efficient renovations, and the promotion of emission-free air conditioning.
Urban interventions with adaptive design may also be included, such as efforts to reduce the urban heat island effect or to expand green spaces using appropriate plant species.
Additionally, the decree outlines a transition period of four years for compliance with the new LEZ standards to allow cities time to adapt.
Many cities still do not have LEZs in place, and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) has urged the government to extend the obligation through 2024 due to delays in finalizing the royal decree that specifies the minimum requirements.
Among major cities, Madrid and Barcelona are prominent examples, yet their LEZs have not fully resolved air quality challenges, and breaches could invite European Union sanctions.
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The environmental department’s contact details are not provided here, as this document focuses on policy and implementation timelines rather than direct outreach.