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Date Published: 03/07/2024

This is the only place in the Region of Murcia that has a Low Emission Zone

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Cartagena is leading the way in this environmental initiative, which is required by law since July 1

This is the only place in the Region of Murcia that has a Low Emission Zone

Among the cities and towns in the Region of Murcia with more than 50,000 inhabitants, Cartagena stands out as the only one that has activated its Low Emission Zone (Zona de Bajas Emisiones or ZBE). This move comes as a response to the legal requirement that came into effect Monday July 1, aiming to reduce air pollution and promote sustainable mobility.

While other municipalities like Lorca, Murcia and Molina de Segura are working towards it, Cartagena has taken the lead in this environmental initiative.

For three years now, every large town and city across Spain has been aware of the need to address pollution and establish measures to restrict access for polluting vehicles. However, some have yet to take action, while others are entangled in bureaucratic processes.

Cartagena, on the other hand, has forged ahead with its Low Emission Zone, taking a proactive approach to combat climate change.

As most regular motorists know by now, ZBEs are geographical areas where local authorities implement traffic restrictions to improve air quality. By discouraging the use of polluting vehicles, these zones encourage the adoption of cleaner alternatives and promote public transport, bicycles and walking.

Where are the Low Emission Zones in Cartagena?

Cartagena has designated two distinct ZBEs: the Historic Centre or the ‘old town’ and the Ensanche.

The Historic Centre encompasses the area within Calle Real, Calle Carlos III, Calle Capitanes Ripoll, Avenida Trovero Marín, Cuesta del Batel and Paseo Alfonso XII. Here, the focus is on prioritising pedestrian use while still allowing access for residents and commerce-related traffic.

The Ensanche, on the other hand, is bounded by Paseo de Alfonso XIII, La Alameda de San Antón, Avenida Reina Victoria and Calle Juan de la Cosa. This zone aims to calm traffic by creating “superblocks”, discouraging vehicles from passing through interior areas to reduce pollution and noise for residents.

In these areas, Cartagena has installed environmental sensors and traffic cameras to gather data on traffic flow, noise and pollution levels. This real-time information will be used to make informed decisions and implement measures as needed, such as closing certain streets to traffic. The city has opted for education and encouragement rather than restrictions, focusing on promoting public transport.

CartaGo!

The CartaGO! Project serves as a roadmap for the city, envisioning the future creation of more superblocks, a new urban concept that will best serve the needs of the city and its residents, while at the same time ensuring that there is harmony between pedestrians and traffic.

At the moment, the implementation of the Low Emission Zone in Cartagena does not require the use of environmental labels for cars, nor does it establish any prohibitions on road traffic.

Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates

Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena

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