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Ourense Activates Low-Emission Zone as Valencia Faces Costs Without One

National rules link transport aid to clean‑air zones, pushing municipalities toward costly trade‑offs.

Overview

  • Ourense’s first-phase ZBE is now in force with new pedestrianized streets and restricted access based on environmental labels, residents and permitted users.
  • The ordinance delays enforcement penalties until mid‑2026, with fines set at €200 and higher amounts for repeat violations.
  • Street changes in Ourense include reconfigured taxi and urban bus stops near Parque de San Lázaro as part of the initial perimeter rollout.
  • Ourense will scrap the ORA parking service on January 1, creating uncertainty for 13 workers and prompting opposition claims of poor planning and insufficient local police staffing.
  • Valencia enters 2026 without an approved ZBE after coalition rifts, and the city says it will cover about €14 million to keep bus fare discounts as the national government ties funding to having a zone, with opposition warning of possible penalties under the Ciudades Conectadas project of up to €100,000 per day.