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A sign indicating access to the Low Emission Zone in Malaga. Migue Fernández Traffic Will Malaga have to modify how and when it applies the Low Emission Zone?Despite disagreeing on whether the Low Emission Zone regulation should be implemented, parties and political groups in the local government agree that the way it has been adopted discriminates against some members of society
Chus Heredia
Tuesday, 21 April 2026, 13:03
The Low Emission Zone (ZBE) is a controversial measure, to the point that several Spanish cities have already seen court rulings against it. In other countries, such as France, laws have started to repeal them.
The issue has also reached the courts in Malaga, where hard-right party Vox is trying to overturn the regulation. On Monday, the matter came before the urban planning commission following a motion from municipal socialist group Con Málaga, which requested the application of moratoriums and a review of deadlines and exceptions.
Since 30 November 2025, vehicles not registered for tax purposes in the city of Malaga and lacking an environmental sticker have been receiving fines if entering the Low Emission Zone. This has led to almost 12,000 fines in the first two months. Starting on the same date this year, vehicles with a B sticker that do not pay the IVTM (vehicle tax) in the city will also be fined.
What did the Monday motion request?
Con Málaga requested modifying the regulation, establishing a moratorium on sanctioning until infrastructure improvements are made, reducing the perimeter of the Low Emission Zone, incorporating new authorised vehicles for people with reduced mobility, waiting until the 5,000 park-and-ride facilities are available, improving urban bus services and specific measures for students and workers on the El Ejido campus.
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