Low emission zones (LEZ)

Low emission zones (LEZ) are defined urban areas where the circulation, access or parking of the most polluting vehicles is restricted, with the aim of improving air quality and cutting emissions. They are one of the most widespread sustainable urban mobility instruments and contribute both to public health and to climate change mitigation.

Access to these zones is usually regulated according to the environmental classification of vehicles. In Spain, the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) issues the 0 emissions, ECO, C and B environmental labels, which rank the vehicle fleet by emissions and serve as the basis for deciding which vehicles may enter each LEZ.

Legal framework in Spain

In Spain, Law 7/2021 on climate change and energy transition requires municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants and island territories to establish low emission zones. The obligation also extends to municipalities with more than 20,000 inhabitants when they exceed pollutant limit values. These zones were to be adopted within sustainable urban mobility plans. You can read more about the framework law in our entry on Law 7/2021 on climate change and energy transition.

The implementing regulation came with Royal Decree 1052/2022 of 27 December, which regulates low emission zones, sets the minimum requirements they must meet and provides legal certainty for users, companies and authorities. The rule defines an LEZ as a defined, continuous area where access, circulation and parking restrictions apply according to the classification of vehicles by their emission level.

How they work

Although each municipality adapts its LEZ to local conditions, they usually share several features:

• A clear, continuous geographical delimitation of the area affected.
• Progressive restrictions based on the vehicle's environmental label.
• Control and signage systems and, in many cases, licence-plate reading cameras.
• Exemptions for residents, essential services or certain groups.

Objectives and expected benefits

The main goal of an LEZ is to improve air quality in areas with the heaviest traffic, where pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter concentrate. By discouraging the most polluting vehicles and favouring electric mobility, public transport and walking or cycling, these zones pursue a double benefit: reducing the population's exposure to harmful pollutants and cutting the emissions that contribute to global warming. Their effectiveness depends on the size of the area, how strict the restrictions are and the mobility alternatives available.

Impact on companies and mobility

LEZ directly affect companies with fleets, urban delivery and last-mile logistics, which must adapt their vehicles to keep operating in city centres. This accelerates the shift towards less polluting vehicles and connects with sustainable transport strategies and the reduction of greenhouse gases across the value chain.

How Manglai can help

Manglai helps companies measure and reduce the emissions linked to their mobility and operations, integrating them into a coherent sustainability strategy. Discover how Manglai can help you stay ahead of regulation and cut your footprint.