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The Torrevieja City Council has requested an extension until the end of 2025 to utilize European funds allocated for the implementation of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).
Councillor Federico Alarcón has confirmed the request for an extension to justify the use of the European funds granted for the project. These funds were officially announced in July 2023 through the Official State Gazette (BOE). The central government allocated a subsidy of €433,787 for the development of the LEZ and an additional €156,945 for complementary actions tied to the initiative.
Under the original timeline, the council should have justified the use of these funds by June 30, 2024. However, to avoid potential delays in tendering and project execution, the council is pushing to extend the deadline until December 31, 2025.
A preliminary study conducted during the first half of 2022 by the consultancy firm Colin Buchanan laid the groundwork for the initiative. The study involved monitoring air quality at various points across the municipality, including the CDT of Torrevieja, Plaza Encarnación Puchol in La Mata, Paseo Vista Alegre, Paseo Juan Aparicio, and Playa del Cura.
Despite these efforts, Torrevieja’s municipal government has expressed scepticism about the LEZ. Officials have indicated that sanctions and traffic restrictions will only be applied in exceptional cases. “In all scenarios, access and protection for residents’ vehicles, public transport, and people with reduced mobility will be guaranteed,” they stated.
The study found that air pollutants tied to road traffic, such as nitrogen oxide and PM10 and PM5 particles, generally remain within acceptable limits throughout the year. The highest pollutant levels were linked to ozone, which tends to spike during periods of high temperatures.
Sulphur dioxide, commonly associated with industrial activity, was scarcely detected in the area. However, PM2.5 particles—particularly small and potentially hazardous—showed elevated levels during episodes of haze or in open areas exposed to Levante winds.
While the initial groundwork for the LEZ has been completed, the council’s apparent hesitation and calls for an extended timeline suggest that enforcement of the low-emission measures remains a low priority.
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