Spain: New anti-pollution protocol in Madrid from October 8

Event

The General Coordinator for Environment and Mobility has announced that new anti-pollution protocols to limit nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions would come into effect on October 8 in Madrid. The new scheme consists of five scenarios (S1, S2, S2, S4, S5), which will apply depending on levels of air pollution. Driving restrictions will be implemented progressively depending on pollution levels, and will affect higher polluting vehicles (cars and motorcycles), rather than a random half of vehicles, which is the case under the current scheme.

Context

During S1 phases, speed limits of 70 km/h will be imposed and individuals will be advised to use public transportation. S2 prohibits vehicles without a special environmental designation, including motorcycles, from driving in the area of the city center delineated by the M30 road (including the M30 itself). Under S3, these restrictions extend to the entire city. S4 includes S3 restrictions, along with a prohibition extended to B-label vehicles from circulating in the city center delineated by the M30 (including the M30 itself). Under an S5, all B- and C-labelled vehicles will be banned from the roads.

Advice

Individuals are advised to consult the web portal of the Madrid City Council for further information.