The Gran Canaria capital is among the major Spanish cities that have not yet activated restrictions for the most polluting vehicles, despite the regulation making their implementation mandatory for municipalities over 50,000 inhabitants since 2023.
According to data from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, 109 Spanish cities have not yet launched their Low Emission Zones (ZBEs), measures designed to reduce urban pollution and limit access for vehicles without an environmental sticker.
ZBEs are mandatory for municipalities with over 50,000 inhabitants, and also for those with over 20,000 if they exceed certain pollution levels. In the case of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the measure still awaits administrative processing and the approval of the final calendar by the City Council.
Once the ZBE is operational, restrictions will primarily affect older and more polluting vehicles, those lacking the environmental sticker from the General Directorate of Traffic. Limitations are expected to apply seven days a week in specific areas to improve air quality.
The implementation of ZBEs is progressing slowly nationwide. Approximately 66% of Spanish cities required to have a ZBE have not yet activated it, with many in the processing phase. Madrid and Barcelona account for the largest implemented area, while other cities like Valencia, Murcia, Gijón, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are still pending.
The future implementation of the ZBE in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will mark a significant change in urban mobility, affecting drivers of older vehicles and requiring them to check their car's environmental sticker. The specific calendar, application zones, and affected vehicles will be known after the municipal decision.
