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Mijas Council finalised plans for a Low Emission Zone in Mijas Pueblo only, sparing all of the rest the restrictions.
According to the most recent regulations of the European Commission all municipalities with 50,000 or more inhabitants in the European Union are required to apply restrictions (which essentially apply to older cars), on vehicles that emit higher levels of emissions. The council in Marbella has installed the technology required by the European Commission, but it hasn’t been switched on yet. There is no date set for this. Torremolinos also has the mandated technology but it is only a very small part of the city centre, where restrictions already exist.
Mijas is also required to install these systems but only in areas where there is a parking problem and police control is already in place. This scheme, which is set to be launched by the end of this year, will comply with the EC Climate Change Law.
The restricted area spans from Plaza de la Constitución to the multi-storey car park, covering busy streets like Avenida del Compás and Calle Málaga. Only vehicles with the DGT environmental tags (zero emissions, ECO, B, or C) will be permitted in. Residents, local workers and delivery services are exempt.
Mayor Ana Mata talked of a tailored approach, noting, ‘We’re protecting our pueblo’s air quality and heritage without burdening La Cala or Las Lagunas.’ Local opinions are mixed. Pueblo shopkeepers are concerned about the impact on their customers while environmentalists laud the decision.
