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The Spanish government is once again pressuring cities to enforce Low Emission Zones (ZBEs) by threatening to withhold state funding from those that fail to implement restrictions. However, officials have ruled out imposing direct sanctions.
Funding at Risk for Non-Compliant Cities
Hugo Morán, Spain’s Secretary of State for the Environment, reaffirmed the government’s stance, stating that access to state funds could be conditional on compliance with ZBE regulations. “We have always promoted cooperation between administrations, which is why we have provided financial resources to support the implementation of these zones,” Morán explained in an interview with Servimedia.
While he emphasized that the government prefers incentives over penalties, he warned that once the incentive phase ends, municipalities that have failed to implement ZBEs may see their access to state funding restricted.
Ongoing Dispute Between Government and Local Authorities
This approach has been echoed by Transport Minister Óscar Puente, who previously acknowledged that the central government lacks the legal authority to force municipalities to enforce ZBEs. Instead, they plan to apply a “carrot and stick” strategy, favouring financial rewards for cities that commit to decarbonization while limiting funds for those that do not.
Puente has criticized local governments, particularly those in coalition with Vox, for resisting ZBEs. He urged mayors to act responsibly, emphasizing that regulating traffic benefits both public health and mobility.
Low Emission Zones in the Province
Of the eight municipalities in the province required to establish a ZBE, only four—Alicante, Elche, Benidorm, and Elda—have approved regulations before the January 1, 2025, deadline. However, Alicante and Elche have chosen not to impose additional restrictions or fines, while Benidorm will introduce a six-month grace period without penalties. Elda is the only city fully complying, having both regulations and enforcement measures in place.
Torrevieja, Orihuela, Alcoy, and San Vicente del Raspeig have yet to implement their respective ZBEs.
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