CDA
March 1, 2023
A RACE survey on Low Emission Zones (ZBE) reflects the discontent of drivers: “there are political reasons”, it is pointed out.
As of January 1, 2023, all those cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants have to implement a Low Emission Zone (ZBE), whose main objectives are reduce emissions of polluting gases and promote both the use of public transport and other mobility solutions.
But, what do the Spanish think of the arrival of these limited circulation areas? The Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) has carried out a survey among drivers and users to find out their opinion on the matter and the main conclusion is that the implementation of ZBEs responds to “political interests” (54 percent), with the majority of respondents being against them. 35 percent of those surveyed think that the real motivation is due to the improvement of the environment and 11 percent attribute it to other reasons or are not clear about their answer.
Drivers are not going to switch to a greener car
ZBE Madrid
“Regardless of motivation, rejection of LEZs is majority: 61 percent of those surveyed are against these areas, while only 31 percent are in favor, while 9 percent are not clear about it,” the organization pointed out.
On a sample of 1,500 people, the RACE Driver Observatory points out that the creation of these limited traffic areas affect or will affect the movements of 52 percent of citizens or workers in cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, while for 32 percent it will not have an impact on their day-to-day life due to their usual form of travel.
It may interest you: Can classic and historic cars enter the LEZs?
Thus, the way to move through these areas is causing an abandonment of the car. 71 percent of those consulted travel or traveled by car before its implementation, a percentage that, once they are all established, will be reduced to 46 percent, according to RACE.
In view of this, almost one in three respondents points out that they will avoid Low Emission Zones to the best of their ability, although almost 20 percent do not know how to adaptsince none of the current alternatives is valid for them.
Nevertheless, only 14 percent have changed or are considering changing their car for one that does comply with mobility restrictions of these areas, that is, less polluting vehicles with environmental labels, such as “Eco” or “Zero”.
