Big news from Mexico - country's first low emission zone to be created in Guadalajara
The city of Guadalajara in Mexico has announced plans to create its first LEZ (Low Emission Zone). The move is part of the city's efforts to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities, cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle the climate crisis. The low emission zone will extend around the busy Ramón Corona intersection in the historic city centre. This is the first time such an attempt has been made in Mexico to improve air quality by regulating polluting vehicles in a specific zone.
The announcement was made by city leaders, including the interim mayor of Guadalajara, Juan Francisco Ramírez Salcido, and the state governor, Enrique Alfaro Ramírez, at an opening ceremony. Both the city and the state of Jalisco are committed to improving accessibility and safety in areas where large numbers of people congregate.
The decision to designate the historic centre of Guadalajara as the city's first LEZ intervention was made in collaboration with the C40 network and the Municipal Institute of Planning and Development Management of the Metropolitan Region of Guadalajara (IMEPLAN). The LEZ will cover an area of 2 square kilometres, where various measures to improve mobility, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and urban nature have been implemented over the last ten years.
Technical studies carried out as part of the project showed that cars are the main source of emissions in the historic centre of Guadalajara, followed by motorbikes and light trucks. The measures are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% and soot by 92% by 2030. This will increase the life expectancy of LEZ users by 0.46 years due to the reduction in risks associated with emissions.
Governor Enrique Alfaro Ramírez emphasised that the city centre has been transformed into a place that Tapatía families can now enjoy. He noted that sustainable mobility is being promoted and new economic development projects are creating jobs and opportunities. Interim Mayor Juan Francisco Ramírez Salcido emphasised that the heart of the city has undergone one of the most important transformation processes in its history.
By introducing the first LEZ in Mexico, Guadalajara is positioning itself as a pioneer in the field of urban mobility. Following the launch on Thursday, the measures will be continued and gradually expanded. With this step, the city has not only set a milestone in its commitment to climate protection and sustainable mobility, but has also embarked on a bold path towards a cleaner, safer and more resilient city of the future.