Low emission zones

Priority question for written answer P-001069/2026/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE), Esther Herranz García (PPE), Susana Solís Pérez (PPE), Raúl de la Hoz Quintano (PPE)

In Spain, the Law on Climate Change requires low emission zones (LEZs) to be established in municipalities with over 50 000 residents with the aim of restricting city-centre access for the most polluting vehicles.

That measure has been adopted without taking into account the reality in Spain, where the average age of cars is among the highest in the European Union. In 2024, vehicles had a mean age of 14.5 years, while more than 62 % of passenger cars had passed the ten-year mark. In addition, electric vehicles accounted for less than 5 % of total sales.

The implementation of the LEZs is causing social concerns. Most households cannot afford to replace their car, which results in disproportionate restrictions and turns access to city centres into a luxury.

• 1.Can the Commission confirm that establishing LEZs is not an obligation directly imposed by the European Union, but rather a decision taken by the Member States?
• 2.What instruments, recommendations or support programmes does the Commission provide to Member States to improve air quality without creating or exacerbating social inequalities?

Submitted: 16.3.2026