Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Estepona officially banned vehicles with the environmental label B from entering its Low Emission Zone.
The new rule, which is already in force, will affect petrol cars and older diesel vehicles registered before 2006 (Euro 4). This could have a significant impact on local drivers. For Estepona residents, the new rule is a significant shift in how you’ll have to navigate the town, with hefty fines of around €200 for non-compliance on the horizon.
Estepona is committed to the Climate Change Law. Towns with more than 50,000 people should implement LEZs to reduce emissions. Estepona, unlike other towns, has acted immediately to enforce the new restrictions. It joined Madrid, Bilbao and Getafe. Madrid, which has its Special Protection Low Emmission Zone (ZBEDEP), allows only B-label vehicles to park in public or privately owned parking lots, is leading the way. Bilbao, on the other hand, will ban all B-label vehicle from accessing the city’s parking lot starting June 15, 2024. Estepona took immediate action because it was determined to clean the air of the town. Getafe on the outskirts Madrid will not enforce its ban until 2026.
Estepona’s residents will be affected by this new rule: if you have a vehicle with the B-label, it is now illegal to drive into the ZBE. The rule affects all diesel and petrol cars that don’t comply with stricter emission standards. For many, this means rethinking their daily commute, errands or trips into the town centre. Estepona does not offer the same exemptions as Bilbao. This includes residents who registered their vehicles before June 15, 2024. It also includes people with reduced mobility and emergency vehicles. Residents should check the official town hall website to see if they qualify for special allowances.
