Many cities suffer from high levels of air pollution that cause serious respiratory problems and premature deaths. One of the closest examples to us is that of Madrid, which due to the high levels of pollution, restricted traffic last Christmas through the odd and even license plate system.
This caused controversy among many citizens, as many do not agree with pollution because “they do not see it.” This problem stems from a poor perception of environmental problems. This anti-pollution measure seems unprecedented, however, in other more developed cities such as Paris, It has already been implemented since the 90s.
Although the effectiveness or necessity of such measures may be debated, the truth is that they are essential to reducing air pollution in large cities such as Madrid. It is imperative that residents become aware of these environmental problems and the direct consequences on health and the natural environment.
Traffic restrictions due to pollution in Madrid
Madrid is one of the most populated cities in all of Spain. Due to high levels of traffic and road congestion, there is a lot of air pollutionAs I have mentioned in other articles, air pollution depends largely on weather conditions. Variables such as atmospheric stability, wind, rainfall and the amount of incident solar radiation influence the concentration of pollutants in the surrounding areas of Madrid.
The system of restriction of circulation by alternate license plates mainly affects vehicles with Diesel engine over 20 years old, due to their high polluting emissions. However, there are also vehicles with privileges on days of high levels of pollution, such as Electric and hydrogen vehicles, which are permitted because their impact on the atmosphere is significantly lower.
On the other hand, cars that do not have the DGT environmental badge cannot access certain delimited areas, such as low-emission zones (ZBE). Currently, the system Madrid 360 regulates vehicles according to their environmental classification to reduce air pollution.
Emissions into the atmosphere and their consequences
There are people who do not think that the measures taken to restrict vehicles are necessary because they “do not see the pollution”. However, air pollution It causes 520.000 premature deaths a year throughout Europe, of which nearly 30.000 occur in Spain.These figures are not just numbers, but a reflection of a global environmental problem.
In addition to health impacts, air pollution is exacerbating extreme weather events linked to climate change. According to the European Environment Agency, these events have caused losses of more than 400.000 billion euros in Europe since 1984. Greenhouse gases emitted by transport are one of the main culprits of this dangerous phenomenon.
Recent studies have shown that, in the case of transport, it generates the 23% of global greenhouse gas emissionsMany citizens underestimate the seriousness of this fact, as they believe that emissions only come from large factories or industries. However, every time we take the car to travel, even for short journeys, we contribute to polluting emissions.
Madrid 360 and Low Emission Zones
The Madrid City Council has implemented several measures within the framework of the 'Madrid 360' plan to regulate traffic and control emissions. Road traffic is one of the main causes of air pollution in the city, particularly emissions from nitrogen dioxide (NO2), associated with the use of older diesel vehicles.
The Madrid 360 plan includes the Special Protection Low Emission Zones (ZBDEP), where access to certain vehicles is restricted. It is estimated that these areas, such as Madrid Central or Plaza Elíptica, have been key in improving the city's pollution levels, complying with the limits set by Europe for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Vehicles without an environmental badge or highly polluting vehicles have seen their access to various areas restricted, with measures that are gradually being tightened. From 1 January 2025, for example, all passenger cars without an environmental badge will be prohibited from circulating on public roads in the city, with exceptions such as those intended for loading and unloading or emergency use.
The Paris Agreement and the reduction of emissions
Governments worldwide, through the Paris Agreement against climate change, have committed to keeping global temperature rise below two degrees Celsius by the end of this century compared to pre-industrial levels. However, without a drastic reduction in emissions from the transport sector, achieving this goal will be particularly difficult.
To this end, countries are focusing their efforts on the electrification of transport, promoting the use of electric cars, public transport and the development of bicycle infrastructure. electric car Not only does it reduce direct pollution in urban centres, it also contributes to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, offering an effective solution to the climate crisis.
Cities that have introduced traffic restrictions, such as Madrid, have made significant progress in reducing emissions, a trend that must accelerate in the coming years to meet the commitments made at international level.
Ultimately, reducing air pollution in Madrid is not only possible, but necessary. Transport, especially the use of private vehicles, remains one of the largest contributors to pollution in the city, and increased restrictive measures, along with a shift towards more sustainable transport, is the key to ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for all.