Madrid 360 includes several Low Emission Zones (ZBE) where the most polluting vehicles are banned from access and only the most sustainable (electric and hybrid) can circulate and park without limitations. Madrid 360 is the new goose that lays the golden eggs of the Spanish capital: its sanctions have reported 81.9 million euros to the coffers of the local council.
Yes, in 2022, the number has risen compared to previous years. From the local consistory they explain to The world that in 2020 and 2021 the traffic was not the usual due to the pandemic. And 2019? They point out that a comparison with that year cannot be carried out because, during the first six months of operation, the restrictions of Madrid Central were not carried out correctly.
81.9 million in seven months
As reported by the aforementioned media, during the first seven months of 2022, the Madrid City Council has collected 81.9 million euros with traffic fines from all its Low Emission Zones: a figure that represents 40% of the total and from which 1.6 million euros have been subtracted, corresponding to the sanctions annulled in the ZBE of Plaza Elíptica. Central District (what was previously known as Central Madrid) has reported 42 million euros (55%), Plaza Elíptica represents 34 million euros (41%) and the rest of the LEZs are responsible for 4 million (5%).
It is precisely in elliptical square where is the point that has generated the most sanctions: the collection of the A-42 highway has amounted to 26 million euros. Within the M-30, these are the controls that have reported the most income to the coffers: Calle Alcalá 51 (6 million), Gran Vía 71 (5 million), Calle Atocha 125 (4 million), Avenida de América with Calle Cartagena (524,000 euros), Calle Sinesio Delgado (420,000 euros) and Avenida del Mediterráneo 32 (418,000 euros).
90 euro fine
It should be remembered that, according to the provisions of Articles 80.1 and 81 of the Law on Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation and Road Safety, unauthorized access to the ZBE of Madrid and the ZBEDEP constitutes a minor offence. Therefore, it is sanctioned with a fine of 90 euros (45 euros if it is for prompt payment).
The LEZs of Madrid
In Madrid there are two types of Low Emission Zones: the ZBE, which covers the interior of the M-30, and the Special Protection Low Emission Zones (ZBEDEP), which correspond to the Central District and Plaza Elíptica.
LEZ – M-30
All The municipal area of Madrid has been declared a Low Emissions Zone, but the circulation restrictions will be applied progressively from 2022 to 2025. For now, they focus on the M-30. From January 1, 2022, the unlabeled cars they cannot access the interior of this area, although they can circulate on the ring road itself. The fines, however, became a reality as of May 1 because there was a grace period for drivers to adapt to the new measure.
Yes indeed, These restrictions will increase with the passage of time. As of January 1, 2023, vehicles without a label will not be able to enter the interior of the M-30 or circulate on it. And since January 1, 2024, its access and circulation on all public and urban roads in the municipality of Madrid is prohibited.
ZBEDEP – Downtown District and Elliptical Plaza
The Special Protection Low Emission Zones are territorial areas that present aggravated problems of environmental pollution and, therefore, circulation limitations are stricter. Currently, Madrid has two surfaces of this type: Downtown District (the old Madrid Central) and Plaza Elíptica.
The vehicles without environmental badge (those included in category A) will not be able to access, unless they are owned by registered residents, transferred to a PMR, be it a heavy vehicle or essential services in certain cases. And the rest?
Vehicles with the badge Zero will be able enter and circulate freely and park in the Zona SER without time restrictions. The Echo They will be able to enter and circulate freely, but only park in the SER Zone for a maximum of two hours and at a reduced rate.
The B or C will be able to access only if they are going to park in a public car park, private garage or if they have a non-provided parking reservation. Nor will they have problems if they are guests authorized by a resident, PMR, essential services or professional services that provide services or deliver supplies within the hours and subject to the established calendar.
The vehicles of the people registered in the Central District They will be able to circulate freely and park in the SER Zone of their neighborhood (if they have the corresponding authorization) and in the green SER Zone that is outside it.
