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ARCHIVED - Torrevieja and Orihuela plan their Low Emission Zones for 2023
These are the only two cities in the Vega Baja area of Alicante that will have to impose traffic restrictions this year
As of January 1 this year, all cities across Spain with 50,000 or more inhabitants will have to implement low emission zones where vehicle access is restricted and more sustainable mobility options, such as walking and cycling, are encouraged.
In most places the zones will be concentrated in the more congested city centres, and the DGT has issued environmental labels for cars depending on their age and the amount of pollution they produce. Once fully implemented, the most damaging vehicles will be banned from the low emission zones and face fines of up to 200 euros for non-compliance.
In the Vega Baja area of Alicante, only Orihuela and Torrevieja will be forced to implement low emission zones. According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), Orihuela has a population of 80,784 while Torrevieja is currently home to 91,731 people.
Torrevieja
The City Council is currently putting the finishing touches on its regulations and finalising which streets will be branded low emission zones. The restrictions are expected to be approved and rolled out to the general public some time in the first quarter of this year.
However, the work on improving air quality has already begun in Torrevieja with the introduction of a new public transport system that includes 100% electric and hybrid buses to replace the current diesel models.
The council is also driving ahead with its plans to pedestrianise more areas surrounding the port.
Orihuela
After two years of discussions, Orihueal City Council is hoping to have its SUMP (Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan) approved this month. The initiative includes an air quality study which will help decide which streets should be designated low emission zones. Once it’s authorised, the SUMP will also provide subsidies for sustainable mobility actions.
Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates
Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja
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