From June 10, 2025, stricter rules for vehicle traffic will come into force in Torrelavega, Cantabria, with the establishment of a new Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Torrelavega is thus the second city in Cantabria to comply with the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law, making an important step towards greater environmental protection. After a ten-month adaptation period, vehicles without a DGT environmental badge that do not have a corresponding permit will now be sanctioned.
Comprehensive Traffic Regulations: What to Consider in Torrelavega’s LEZ?
The Torrelavega city council has established detailed regulations for the LEZ to facilitate adaptation for both residents and visitors. The zone is clearly delimited and includes the streets Julián Urbina, La Llama, Julián Ceballos, and Jose María Pereda, with parts already designated as pedestrian zones. The operating hours of the LEZ are limited to weekdays. Exceptions include the period from Saturday 2 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m., as well as the evenings before and days after holidays.
Exceptions for Vehicles Without a DGT Environmental Badge
For vehicles that do not have the required DGT environmental badge, there are specific exceptions:
- Short-term Parking in Underground Car Parks: Vehicle owners can enter one of the underground car parks located within the LEZ for a maximum of 15 minutes. These include the car parks on Bulevar Demetrio Herreros and under Plaza de la Llama.
- Tolerance for Accidental Entry: The installed cameras allow up to 24 entries per year without a badge. This is intended to allow accidental entries without direct sanctioning.
- Application for Special Permit: A special permit can be applied for via the REVA (Authorized Vehicle Register) on the Torrelavega city council website.
Low Emission Zones in Cantabria: Torrelavega and Santander as Pioneers
The establishment of low emission zones is a legal requirement for cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants. In Cantabria, this affects Santander in addition to Torrelavega. While Torrelavega is now implementing the zone, Santander is still in the preliminary phase of the draft ordinance for its LEZ, which began on June 4. This highlights Torrelavega’s commitment to environmental protection and compliance with national climate targets.
