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Traffic in the centre of Alicante. Shootori
Low Emission Zone in Alicante Comes into Effect: Questions and Answers

Low Emission Zone in Alicante Comes into Effect: Questions and Answers

The ordinance outlines three zones and will not include penalties or restrictions

Tere Compañy Martínez

Alicante

Miércoles, 1 de enero 2025, 01:07

Alicante welcomes the year 2025 with the implementation of one of the city's most controversial projects in recent times: the much-feared Low Emission Zone (LEZ). The extraordinary council meeting this Monday approved the ordinance regulating this new area in Alicante, which was activated with the New Year's Eve chimes.

The reality is that the LEZ will have little impact on the daily lives of Alicante's residents. The ordinance regulating this system to control pollution in the city does not foresee any restrictions or penalties in Alicante. This condition was announced by Mayor Luis Barcala during the election campaign and has secured Vox as a partner in approving this regulation. The text was finally approved on December 30, in an extraordinary council meeting that included some pending proposals before the year's end, such as the increase in the waste tax.

Although without fines or restrictions, the LEZ in Alicante is expected to improve the city's traffic. The project includes the installation of over 70 license plate reading cameras and 15 air quality monitors in the city, providing real-time information. In the future, the network could expand to accommodate up to 300 devices.

Additionally, from January 1, citizens will also be able to check information on one of the ten variable message panels installed at the main entrances to the city, coinciding with the outer ring roads. This system will convey precise information to drivers about air quality, as well as traffic conditions in the city. Another interesting measure is the launch of an app that will provide live updates on city traffic, parking occupancy, and other information to assist drivers in decision-making.

Where will the Low Emission Zone in Alicante Affect?

The LEZ divides the city into three rings. The first corresponds to the Old Town of Alicante, covering an area of over 10 hectares between Rambla de Méndez Núñez, Avenida de Jaime II, the slopes of Santa Bárbara Castle, and Jorge Juan and Altamira streets.

Map of Alicante with the three designated zones. AA

The second ring corresponds to the Traditional Centre of Alicante, bordered by major roads such as Alfonso el Sabio, Gadea Promenade, and Avenida del Puerto.

Finally, the third ring encompasses all neighbourhoods within the Gran Vía. This includes the entire centre, as well as areas like San Blas, Carolinas, and El Pla.

What Restrictions Will There Be in the Low Emission Zone in Alicante?

The government announced that the LEZ would not impose new restrictions in the city, an agreement reached with Vox to secure approval. However, existing restrictions in the Old Town will remain.

In Ring I, traffic will be heavily restricted according to the ordinance, as is currently the case. Only registered residents, property owners, or those with garages can access this area, regardless of whether they have the DGT environmental badge.

Control map of the LEZ. AA

In contrast, in Rings II (Traditional Centre) and III (Gran Vía), circulation will be unrestricted, with no penalties or sanctions. All vehicles with an environmental label have automatic access to these rings.

Can I Be Fined in the Low Emission Zone in Alicante?

In the case of Ring I, fines will continue as before and could reach up to 200 euros for those entering the Old Town without the necessary authorization.

In Rings II (Traditional Centre) and III (Gran Vía), things will remain unchanged. The ordinance does not foresee any penalties for access. No prior authorization is required to enter the inner areas of these two rings.

However, the LEZ project does include temporary access restrictions in specific areas and during certain times if pollution levels exceed the permitted limits in any of the LEZ rings in Alicante. This measure aims to prevent traffic congestion in these areas.

If necessary, these measures, the restrictions will be applied in phases, limiting access to the most polluting vehicles during episodes of atmospheric pollution. Although no penalties are planned.

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