The forthcoming establishment of the Low Emissions Zone (ZBE), set to take place by the year’s end following an extension requested by the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, will encompass the entire downtown area of the capital. According to figures from the Municipal Council, this zone is home to 16,369 residents and accommodates over 5,000 public and private parking spaces. As a result, the current urban area will expand by 3.5 times, growing from the present 226,697 square meters to an estimated 778,244 square meters.
Continuing with the actions for the implementation of the ZBE, the city council is progressing through the Mobility Department. The primary aim of the ZBE is to comply with the European obligation set for cities with populations exceeding 50,000, a guideline that Santa Cruz has been preparing for extensively. An extension was requested until the year’s end to finalize essential contracts for the services required by the ZBE,” mentioned the mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez.
“One of the initial steps taken was the completion of a participatory process involving citizens, companies, businesses, and professionals, which concluded last October. During this process, individuals were informed and shared their diverse opinions, including those from educational and informal sectors,” the mayor added.
Throughout this stage of citizen engagement, the primary function was to provide information as many were unfamiliar with the regulations and characteristics of ZBEs. Highlighting the benefits of these zones, councilor Evelyn Alonso emphasized the noticeable enhancement in air quality and public health. This improvement will also aid in climate change mitigation by reducing air pollutants and noise emissions.”
He stated that this “will encourage the adoption of more sustainable modes of transportation like bicycles or electric vehicles, aiding in the reduction of traffic congestion and fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment in the city center. This, in turn, has allowed for the revamping of streets such as Imeldo Serís and La Rosa.”
The ZBE spans across the central zone of Santa Cruz, housing numerous residences, key attractions (offices, businesses, public establishments), and is bordered by three main roads with daily traffic exceeding 35,000 vehicles along with the natural axis of the Santos ravine. Access, circulation, and parking within the ZBE will be gradually regulated in alignment with environmental standards, incorporating residents, underground parking facilities, and delivery vehicles into the management framework.
The existing restricted area within the Urban Plan, monitored by cameras, intercoms, and bollards, will transition towards a more automated management system equipped with control cameras and a management platform; full access control (39); reconfiguration of public spaces in relation to parking; expansion of pedestrian areas, and dedicated lanes for personal mobility, among other initiatives.
The project is presently in the public information phase, and objections can be lodged through the city council’s website until March 8. The enforcement of restrictions will be gradual, with an initial phase commencing by year-end to facilitate their implementation without penalties.
As a general rule, vehicles registered under residents for ownership, possession, rental, leasing, benefit in kind, or as a substitute vehicle, along with other authorised individuals, will be permitted to enter, circulate, and park within the designated perimeter.
