Santa Cruz de Tenerife is gearing up to introduce the Zero Emissions Zone (ZBE), which will entail setting up close to 30 entry points leading into the heart of the capital, equipped with surveillance cameras and parking regulations.
The local Government Board formally approved the project yesterday, following a period of 30 days during which public feedback was collected and considered. The scheme aims to restrict traffic and promote the digital and sustainable evolution of urban transportation in the city.
This initiative, supported by a European grant of 1.278 million euros, is scheduled to commence in 2025, with a projected 10-year timeline for completion. The works will be overseen by a collaboration between Tema Ingeniería and Wawa Consultores en Movilidad, at a cost of 71,751 euros.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez remarked that “we are witnessing the approval of the fundamental aspects of a project that will be further defined by a specific ordinance, taking into account the feedback received – with just over thirty contributions being considered.”
Bermúdez added, “We are adhering to the stipulated EU deadlines post the financing approval for the ZBE project. Currently, we stand as the sole Canarian municipality meeting these timelines. Hence, I urge the Government of the Canary Islands to ensure a coordinated approach across the Archipelago, as some councils are uncertain about legal aspects and we require a unified response from the Executive.”
The project stipulates that vehicles allowed entry, circulation, and parking within the ZBE premises must be appropriately labelled and identified. This criteria excludes the need for municipal authorization, although communication amongst different administrations and companies is essential. Access is granted to public service vehicles, including State Security Forces and Corps, Local Police, firefighting teams, ambulances, private security, and health professionals’ vehicles.
Also permitted are vehicles used by businesses and self-employed individuals operating within the ZBE or municipal markets located in the area, as well as visitors following the set regulations.
Special permissions will be granted to vehicles accessing medical and veterinary facilities, along with commercial vehicles adhering to periodic environmental regulations for Urban Goods Distribution.
Ongoing monitoring will enable the assessment of the ZBE’s effectiveness and its environmental impact through surveillance measures in place.
