The city of Ourense has definitively changed its urban mobility model with the effective implementation of its restricted zone. This measure, which aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly city and reduce pollution levelsThis represents a significant change in habits for those who usually drive through the city center. The regulations have been implemented following European guidelines that require healthier environments in densely populated areas.
Although the project began a few months ago, it's only now that drivers have encountered the reality of the fines. The process has been phased in to avoid any major disruptions, allowing drivers to... air quality regulations It needs to be established before it starts affecting citizens' wallets. This is a transition that seeks to bring the city of Ourense in line with other Galician cities that have already taken the lead in these types of environmental policies.
The new sanctions scenario in the city center
As of July, the grace period has ended and the cameras are now fully operational. Any vehicle entering the restricted area without meeting the requirements will face a fine. financial penalty of 200 eurosThis is a considerable sum, in line with the national traffic law. For those looking to save money, early payment within the first twenty days reduces the amount by half, to 100 euros.
The surveillance system never stops and relies on a technological network that cross-references each license plate data with official records. There's no need to drive yourself crazy looking for the windshield sticker, as the automatic recognition cameras They know perfectly well whether your car is authorized or not. The city's objective is none other than to discourage the use of private vehicles in the city center, prioritizing public transport and walking.
Authorized vehicles and DGT labels
The big question many people are asking is which cars can pass through without fear of a fine. The answer lies in the environmental sticker: if you have one label 0, ECO, C or BYou can drive freely within the designated area. The problem lies with older vehicles, generally gasoline vehicles registered before 2000 and diesel vehicles registered before 2006, which are excluded from the system due to their greater environmental impact.
Despite the general restrictions, a number of exceptions have been established for residents. Registered residents, those who own a garage, or those... people with reduced mobility They have specific permits to enter. Provisions have also been made for authorized workers or essential services, ensuring that daily life in the area does not come to a complete standstill due to the new rules.
Geographical boundaries and pedestrian streets
The affected area is not small and encompasses a large part of the historic center and the newer district. Its perimeter is defined by main thoroughfares such as the Avenida da Habana, Rúa do ProgresoRúa da Coruña and the area around Plaza de Concepción Arenal. It's a quadrant with a very high commercial density and where traffic used to be a real headache during peak hours.
In addition to the sticker restrictions, the plan has reinforced the pedestrianization of iconic streets. Streets like Bedoya, Valle Inclán, and Arturo Pérez Serantes now have a very different look, with vehicle traffic severely limited. This urban design aims to gain space for pedestrians This should be the absolute priority, transforming streets that were once just thoroughfares into places for people from Ourense and visitors to linger and stroll.
A technological control system and its challenges
The implementation has not been without some confusion among the more absent-minded drivers. In the first few days, the lack of clearer road signs has led to doubts about exactly where the prohibited zone begins. However, the City Council insists that the information is available and that the use of smart cameras It guarantees that only those who genuinely violate the regulations are sanctioned, without human error involved.
This change in the city is just the first phase of a more ambitious plan looking to the future. It is expected that by 2029 the restricted zone will be further expanded, with stricter controls to meet emissions reduction targets. It is a path of no return that aims to Ourense to be a more livable cityFollowing in the footsteps of other European capitals that have shown that fewer cars translates into a better quality of life for all residents.