The Orihuela City Council has opened a one-month public consultation on a preliminary plan to establish a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the historic centre, a key step toward reducing traffic congestion, pollution and reliance on private vehicles. The measure is required under Law 7/2021 on Climate Change and Energy Transition, which obliges cities of over 50,000 residents to adopt sustainable mobility policies by 2025.
The draft LEZ proposal, commissioned by the current PP–Vox administration, is an early-stage technical document that will evolve through public input and further studies. Its broader aim is not just to restrict traffic but to reshape the city’s mobility model, improving air quality, lowering noise levels and creating a more liveable urban environment.
Key findings
The diagnostic report identifies several structural problems:
- High car dependency, both for internal trips and access to the centre
- Traffic congestion and inefficient flow distribution, increasing travel times and emissions
- Air pollution, mainly from nitrogen oxides and particulate matter linked to vehicles
- Significant noise pollution, especially on busy roads
- Pressure on public space, with cars and parking limiting pedestrian and cycling areas
- Weak alternatives, as public transport, cycling and walking infrastructure remain underdeveloped
- Accessibility and safety issues, particularly for pedestrians and vulnerable groups
Proposed approach
To address these issues, the LEZ framework considers a range of measures:
- Gradual restrictions on high-emission vehicles in central areas
- Promotion of public transport, cycling and walking
- Improved traffic management systems and flow regulation
- Support for electric vehicles, including charging infrastructure
- Enhancements in urban design, such as green spaces and pedestrian zones
- Measures to improve accessibility and road safety
The plan is guided by four core objectives: improving environmental quality and public health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, shifting towards sustainable transport modes, and increasing energy efficiency through electrification.
Parking and political tensions
Parking shortages remain a major concern, with drivers frequently spending long periods searching for spaces. The opposition group Cambiemos Orihuela has criticised the local government for failing to implement the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), approved in 2023, which already includes solutions such as park-and-ride facilities, new bus services and cycling infrastructure.
While the council attributes delays to pending regional approval, it has moved forward with related initiatives like a new urban bus plan. The LEZ is closely tied to the broader mobility strategy and is under pressure from national authorities, which link transport funding to its implementation, as well as from the Ombudsman urging faster action.
What comes next
The consultation marks an initial phase in a longer process. The final design of the LEZ — including its boundaries and specific restrictions — will be defined after technical, environmental and social assessments, along with citizen input. If implemented, the plan is expected to significantly reshape mobility patterns and improve quality of life in Orihuela.
