Benidorm informs community about Low Emission Zone and park-and-ride upgrades during European Mobility Week 2024

During European Mobility Week 2024, held from 16 to 22 September, Benidorm took the opportunity to engage with the local community and raise awareness about two key initiatives aimed at tackling local air pollution and promoting sustainable urban mobility. These initiatives include the introduction of a low emission zone (LEZ), scheduled to launch in January 2025, and the improvement of the park-and-ride facility on Avenida de Beniardá.

Using European Mobility Week as a platform for knowledge sharing, Benidorm launched its information campaign to raise awareness of the upcoming LEZ. An information point was set up and moved around various parts of the city to reach as many people as possible, with particular attention given to key access points to the LEZ. Visitors received leaflets that included maps of the LEZ areas, entry and exit points, specific features of the zone, and answers to frequently asked questions. Councillor for mobility, Francis Muñoz, who announced the campaign at the start of European Mobility Week, highlighted the importance of clearly explaining the objectives of the LEZ and how it will function, as many residents, commuters, and visitors are still unclear on its implications for travelling within the city.

Benidorm’s LEZ will be implemented as part of a national effort to curb vehicle emissions, in line with the European Union directive requiring all cities with populations over 50 000 to establish these zones. It has been planned for implementation in three areas across the city, the largest part will cover the city centre, with two additional zones located along the main beaches, Levante and Poniente. Residents will be permitted to enter the zone with their vehicles without restrictions. Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards will be granted annual access. Exemptions will also be provided for all public transport and vehicles with special permits, such as those used for deliveries or by hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments. Compliance will be monitored by cameras.

Alongside the LEZ information campaign, Benidorm announced an investment of over EUR 2.1 million to upgrade the park-and-ride facility on Avenida de Beniardá. As part of the activities organised for European Mobility Week, Mayor Toni Pérez and Councillor for Mobility Francis Muñoz visited the site to highlight the project’s importance for the city’s sustainable transport goals.

The park-and-ride project aims to modernise the infrastructure, making it more functional and environmentally friendly. The improvements will facilitate easier vehicle access and include new electrical systems featuring public lighting and surveillance. The upgraded facility will also be prepared to accommodate future electric vehicle charging stations. Councillor Muñoz noted that the project is currently awaiting authorisation from the relevant authorities, with construction set to begin as soon as the tender process is completed.

Author: Claus Köllinger

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.