In 2017, Madrid faced several episodes of high pollution due to factors such as temperature inversion, lack of rain, and the massive use of private vehicles by residents. This combination leads to harmful levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) and other particulate matter, seriously affecting the health of residents. Given this situation, the question arises: Are traffic restrictions sufficient to control pollution?
Pollution in Madrid: alarming figures and health effects
Madrid, like many other cities around the world, suffers from recurring pollution problems. According to the European Environment Agency ( EEA ), it is estimated that more than 31.000 people die annually in Spain due to pollution, with almost half a million victims across Europe. This translates into a direct impact on the quality of life of citizens, especially the most vulnerable, such as children and the elderly.
Nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter are the main pollutants affecting the population. These levels often exceed the limits established by health authorities, resulting in an environment harmful to health. In fact, levels exceeding 180 ppm of NO2 are already considered harmful, and in some parts of the city , levels above 300 ppm have been recorded on occasion.
On several occasions, pollution reaches alarming levels for days on end, with no significant reduction achieved despite temporary restrictive measures. Madrid is no exception, and air toxicity is aggravated by the lack of rain or wind that can disperse pollutants. This creates an unsustainable situation for public health and requires much stricter measures than those implemented so far.
Traffic restrictions in Madrid: a review of the protocols
Madrid has a specific protocol for times when air pollution exceeds certain thresholds. This protocol is divided into several scenarios , tiered according to the severity of the pollution episode. Below, we detail the four established scenarios:
1. Speed reduction
The first scenario involves reducing the maximum speed limit on access roads to the city, limiting it to 70 km/h. This measure aims to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions from road traffic.
2. Parking ban for non-residents
If the situation persists or worsens, the second scenario is entered into, which in addition to the speed reduction, prohibits the parking of non-resident vehicles in regulated parking zones (SER zone). This seeks to discourage the use of cars and promote the use of other means of transport.
3. Restriction on even and odd license plates
If pollution levels are not significantly reduced, the third scenario involves restricting traffic based on license plate numbers. Vehicles with even-numbered plates can only circulate on even-numbered days, while those with odd-numbered plates can circulate on odd-numbered days. The goal is to halve the amount of traffic within the city.
In addition, zero-emission vehicles and those with three or more occupants are permitted in this scenario.
4. Extension of the ban to the perimeter of the M30
The fourth and final scenario involves extending the aforementioned restriction to the entire M30, preventing vehicles that do not comply with the license plate restrictions from circulating on this road.
Corrective action results
Traffic reduction measures, while well-intentioned, have proven insufficient. During the first few days of the protocol's activation, a minimal traffic reduction of between 1% and 5% was observed , suggesting the need for stricter or complementary restrictions, such as promoting public transport or providing subsidies for vehicle renewal.
Madrid's anti-pollution protocol: long-term measures
The Madrid Pollution Protocol is just one part of the strategies that the City Council and other authorities must implement to address this problem. At the same time, there is a growing need for a shift towards sustainable alternatives such as electric cars, cycling, and public transportation.
The future of mobility has a clearer focus: the electrification of transport and the reduction of emissions. Madrid has already implemented measures such as Low Emission Zones (LEZs), known as Madrid Central and its updated version as Madrid 360. In these zones, the transit of polluting vehicles is prohibited.
Low Emission Zones (ZBE)
Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in Madrid are designed to drastically reduce NO2 emissions and improve air quality. Under current regulations, only vehicles with environmental labels B or C are allowed to circulate freely in these areas. Vehicles without a label, or with an "A" rating, face much stricter access restrictions.
From January 2025, these “A” vehicles will be completely prohibited from accessing ZBE zones, with specific exceptions such as historic passenger cars, emergency vehicles and those intended for the transport of people with reduced mobility.
Impact on air quality
Estimates based on studies by the Polytechnic University of Madrid indicate that these measures could reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 1.147 tons annually. Furthermore, it is expected that 62% of private vehicle drivers will switch to public transportation, which would further contribute to reducing pollution levels.
Fines and penalties
Failure to comply with the regulations governing access to Low Emission Zones (LEZs) carries fines of up to €90 per infraction , according to current legislation. In many cases, the authorities have extended grace periods to allow for compliance, but the penalties are being rigorously enforced.
These penalties also contribute to raising public awareness, forcing drivers to inform themselves about pollution levels and the policies in place at any given time.
To meet the current challenges, Madrid and other cities around the world will need to implement structural changes in their mobility and pollution policies. It is vital that temporary traffic restriction measures be accompanied by an educational awareness programme and the development of sustainable infrastructure.
The future of our cities will depend on the ability of governments, businesses and citizens to adopt a cleaner and more sustainable mobility model, without neglecting advances in transport technology and collaboration between all sectors involved.