Orihuela will put the Low Emission Zone project to public consultation

The preliminary public consultation process for the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) project will commence in the upcoming weeks by the Orihuela City Council. This procedure will enable citizens, associations, and groups to submit contributions for a period of one month following its publication in the Official Gazette of the Valencian Government.

The implementation of this initiative is in accordance with the legal obligation outlined in Law 7/2021 on climate change and energy transition. This law mandates that municipalities with a population exceeding 50,000 must implement sustainable mobility measures, such as Low Emission Zones, as a means of reducing pollution and enhancing air quality.

A technical draft prepared by a specialised corporation and presented to the City Council on March 23 will be submitted for public comment. It is the initial phase of a more comprehensive process that will conclude with the concrete definition of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), its boundaries, and the measures that will be implemented in the urban area of Orihuela.

According to Matías Ruiz, the Councillor for Urban Planning, the Low Emission Zone initiative is not a one-time measure; rather, it is a strategic urban planning instrument that is designed to revolutionise the municipality’s mobility model. As per the document, the LEZ aims to achieve a more efficient and healthier city that is more effectively acclimated to the current environmental challenges, while also aligning itself with European and national sustainability policies.

In this regard, it is not restricted to traffic restrictions; rather, it seeks to reorganise the utilisation of public space, prioritise more sustainable modes of transportation, and enhance the quality of life for citizens. “The document’s preliminary assessment identifies a number of factors that substantiate the implementation of the Low Emission Zone in Orihuela.” According to the councillor, the primary source of air pollution, particularly in terms of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions, is the impact of road traffic.

This is further exacerbated by the heavy reliance on private vehicles for urban travel, which generates congestion, places pressure on public space, and impedes the development of more sustainable alternatives, as well as noise pollution from traffic. The study also highlights issues with traffic management and the distribution of traffic flows, as well as limitations in promoting the use of public transport, walking, and cycling, thereby consolidating the current car-centric model.

Ruiz observed that “air quality and public health enhancement, urban noise reduction, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction are among the primary objectives of the future Low Emission Zone.” Additionally, the initiative endeavours to encourage the gradual transition to more sustainable mobility models, including the use of low- or zero-emission vehicles, walking, and cycling, as well as public transportation. This is all part of a more comprehensive strategy for transitioning to a more balanced urban model that enhances road safety and accessibility, as well as reclaims space for people.

Prior to approval, citizen participation is required.

The City Council has underscored that this process will commence with a preliminary public consultation phase, which will be conducted in accordance with the regional regulations on citizen participation. The objective of this phase is to collect opinions and proposals prior to the formulation of the final project.

The documentation will be accessible on the municipal website and the transparency portal during this time, and individuals are encouraged to submit comments or suggestions through the designated channels. The project will proceed with the analysis of the contributions received and the specification of key aspects, including the delimitation of the area, traffic regulation measures, and complementary actions related to mobility, upon the completion of this process.

Orihuela is making strides toward adherence to state and European regulations regarding air quality and climate change with this initiative, which also serves to initiate a dialogue regarding the ideal urban and mobility paradigm for the years ahead. One of the most substantial changes in the urban organisation of the municipality will be the implementation of the Low Emission Zone. This change will have environmental, social, and economic implications that will need to be defined in the subsequent phases of the project.