UK motorists warned of driving in Spain this summer with Clean Air Zone fines

Like the UK and other European countries, some Spanish cities have implemented Low Emission Zones to reduce air pollution from the most polluting vehicles.

A handful of the Low Emission Zones – also known as Zonas de Bajas Emisiones (ZBE) – launched in 2020 with the most polluting petrol and diesel vehicles restricted from entering.

Between 7am and 8pm from Monday to Friday, the only vehicles allowed to enter the Barcelona ZBE are those with an environmental label issued by the Spanish authorities.

Any Britons expecting to drive through Barcelona or any other city with a ZBE must register their foreign vehicles with the relevant authorities before they travel.

Older vehicles can apply for a temporary, 24-hour permit, while those without a proper environmental label or registration can be fined up to €200 or £172.

READ MORE: Petrol and diesel drivers may be charged extra for parking alongside ULEZ scheme

According to Urban Access Regulations in Europe, there are 14 Low Emission Zones in Spain, with other restrictions in place, such as emissions-based parking.

Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia and Valladolid have emergency schemes in place when air quality rates are particularly bad.

During these times, some vehicles – usually those which are older and more polluting – can be banned from operating in central areas between certain times of the day.

Andrew Chambers, travel and transport expert at Airport Parking, commented on the importance of drivers researching before they set off on holiday.

He said: “Different countries have their own set of rules and regulations, and you definitely don’t want to find yourself in a sticky situation while you’re supposed to be relaxing. 

“Take some time to research your destination, get to know their customs, and understand what’s expected of you. It might sound boring, but trust me, it’s worth it. 

“You don’t want to risk getting arrested, fined, or dealing with any unnecessary trouble. It’ll help ensure a smooth and worry-free trip, allowing you to make the most of your well-deserved holiday.” 

New plans were revealed at the end of 2022 which would see all vehicles with a Spanish number plate having a sticker denoting their pollution level.

A new zone would apply to all cities with over 50,000 inhabitants and in some cases, towns with a population over 20,000.

Any electric cars and other zero emission vehicles are exempt and will not have to pay any fines, although they will still need to be registered.

If driving in and around Madrid, motorists can still be caught out, with the M-30 motorway included in the Madrid ZBE, with the £172 fine also applied.