Orihuela City Council has launched a €18,142 tender to draft a Low Emission Zone (ZBE) project aimed at restricting traffic in the city center.
Spanish cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants were required to implement ZBEs from January 1 under the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law. Non-compliance could result in lost EU funding and reduced public transport subsidies.
The Urban Planning Department explains that the city lacks the internal resources to complete the project quickly, making external expertise essential. The winning firm will provide qualified staff, including architects, engineers, and administrative support, with proven experience in ZBE projects. The project is expected to be completed within three months.
Orihuela’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (PMUS), provisionally approved in 2023, already proposed creating low emission areas, especially in the historic center and Palmeral, with permanent and temporary traffic restrictions depending on pollution levels. The plan also promotes cycling lanes, pedestrian-friendly spaces, and renewable energy initiatives in transportation.
The city will manage a registry of authorized vehicles and use automatic license plate recognition to enforce ZBE access. Currently, 45% of local trips are by private vehicle, and city streets and parking are heavily congested.
While pollution levels in Orihuela are below legal limits, the council emphasizes that the ZBE is a proactive measure to protect heritage sites, improve air quality, and comply with EU and national regulations, ensuring access to funding and sustainable urban development.
