The push to implement Low Emissions Zones (ZBE) in Alicante province’s municipalities is facing a bumpy road ahead as the 2025 deadline draws near. With the mandate emerging from Spain’s Climate Change and Energy Transition Act, aligning with the EU’s goals to reduce environmental impact, there remains significant variability in progress among the eligible municipalities. The province consists of eight municipalities required to establish ZBEs: Alicante, Elche, Torrevieja, Orihuela, Benidorm, Alcoy, San Vicente del Raspeig, and Elda. As of now, only half of these cities have approved ordinances. Among them, Elda distinguishes itself by fully meeting the regulations, including implementing fines for non-compliance.
While Alicante and Elche have made strides by approving ZBE-related regulations, their application remains limited to traffic and air quality monitoring, without imposing penalties yet. In Benidorm, an ordinance was approved, but the city opted for a transitional period lasting six months, during which residents won’t face fines. This period began in January, meaning fines will come into effect mid-year. On the other hand, Elda has taken more stringent measures by establishing ZBEs that enforce fines for violations within its central zone, directly affecting about 3% of its population. This proactive approach sets Elda apart from its peers but underscores the varying levels of enforcement and regulation among municipalities.
Differing significantly in progress, Torrevieja, Orihuela, Alcoy, and San Vicente del Raspeig lag behind their counterparts. Torrevieja has linked its ZBE development plans to the broader maritime façade redevelopment, although progress has been slow even with EU funding. Orihuela is entangled in challenges stemming from its intricate geography. Despite having a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan approved, Orihuela has not yet moved to the implementation phase. Alcoy is still navigating through the process, currently reviewing a draft ordinance with expectations to finalize it by January 2024. Meanwhile, San Vicente del Raspeig is only at the initial stages, having begun drafting its ZBE project plans in December 2023 with a completion target set for 2026.
The Ministry of Transport has issued a warning that municipalities standing in non-compliance by 2025 will face financial repercussions, particularly the forfeiture of public transport subsidies. Although Elda serves as a beacon of compliance, the delays, lack of enforcement measures, and leniency in other municipalities make it increasingly difficult to meet both EU and national environmental targets. Time is edging closer for these cities to step up their efforts to avoid financial penalties and adhere to climate goals. The situation calls for urgent action and strategy realignment to bridge the gaps and ensure all municipalities meet the objectives set forth by the 2025 mandate.
