Catalan Government calls for ZBE reactivation after Gelida rail recovery

Municipalities are urged to restore Low Emission Zones as train services return to normal following January's accident.

Generic image of a Low Emission Zone sign on a city street with traffic.
IA

Generic image of a Low Emission Zone sign on a city street with traffic.

Minister Sílvia Paneque has asked Catalan city councils to restore Low Emission Zones (ZBE) following the end of the mobility crisis caused by the rail accident in Gelida.

The regional executive believes that the exceptional circumstances justifying the suspension of traffic restrictions have now passed. According to the Government of Catalonia, rail services have improved significantly since the incident on January 20.
During the crisis, restrictions were lifted to allow private vehicle use while train frequencies were reduced. Now, with reinforced bus services and restored train lines, the Government aims to return to a sustainable mobility model.

"ZBEs are an instrument to guarantee air quality directly linked to health."

Sílvia Paneque · Minister of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition
Each local council will now decide on the specific timeline and procedures to resume mandatory traffic limitations in their areas.