Madrid Low Emission Zone: 15,500 Fines voided

After numerous complaints from affected citizens, associations and politicians, Madrid's city council will next week give the green light for the return of 15,500 erroneous fines in the environmental zone around the Plaza Elíptica. According to the authorities, this involves approximately 1.4 million euros, which are to be returned to the coffers of the unjustly fined citizens in the coming months. This was shared by the delegate for the environment and mobility, Borja Carabante, in response to a proposal from the Spanish Vox party.  

The existing signage was "confusing" and "deficient", the statement from the transport authorities said. It was therefore the will of the board, "in the name of legal certainty", to recall all sanctions erroneously issued by 2 May. A message that the national conservative party - which has repeatedly spoken out against the environmental zones active in the capital - should welcome with open arms. 

In the eyes of the Vox, party member and councillor Fernando Martínez Vidal said, the city's decision was not enough. He demands that all fines imposed be annulled - without time limit - and justifies his request with the negative impact they have had on Spanish families "in this time of crisis". So far, however, his proposal has not found approval outside party lines. 

Nevertheless, it is not only right-wing voices that criticise the current implementation of the "Madrid Elíptica" environmental zone. The regional party for green politics "Más Madrid" and the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) also see flaws in the current system. While they defend so far the position of the authorities to pay back the fines, they ask for more flexibility in the time period set for the reimbursement.  

Among the critics of the environmental zone are not only political parties, but also associations - including the group "Automovilistas Europeos Asociados"(AEA). It is not only about the penalties that should be cancelled due to an unclear system, but about the principle. Because, as the AEA recalled, the A42 tunnel - also included in the low-emission special protection zone (ZBEDEP) and one of the main control points for entering the zone - belongs to the state motorway network and consequently to the Spanish Ministry of Transport. The City of Madrid therefore has "no right to act on roads that are not under its control".  

Whether the city of Madrid will make changes to the ZBEDEP in the future cannot be said at this time. It is clear, however, that clarity must be created about all the regulations that apply to the environmental zones around the Elíptica. Because if there is to continue to be great certainty about this, Madrid runs the risk of irreparably damaging the image of the environmental zones. As well as possibly running the risk of not being able to meet the set environmental and air protection targets due to a lack of proper implementation of the currently valid regulations.  

Until further notice, however, entry into the Spanish environmental zones will only be permitted with a Spanish Distintivo Ambiental. This is obligatory for all vehicles registered in the country, but not for foreign cars - for which the issuing of such a sticker is not even possible. All drivers from abroad therefore only have to keep an eye on the entry rules of the cities, which can be found on our website and our Green-Zones app. The only exception is Barcelona - because here, registration for foreigners is also compulsory.