Can you now drive into Central Madrid after the abolition of low emission zones?

This is the news of the day: The High Court of Madrid (TSJM) has just knock down low emission zones (ZBE) in the municipality of MadridThis solution also includes special zones, such as those that limit almonds. Madrid city centre and the elliptical platform. Does this mean that you can now drive any car around the capital without fear of a fine?

Well, no. Contrary to what many may think (and some have already made progress in networking), the municipal decree is not sentenced from this very moment. The appeal filed by VOX against the measure organized by José Luis Martínez Almeida has been accepted for consideration, including TSJM confirms non-conformities in the municipal law of the Madrid City Council, but it has not yet received firm ratification.

In fact, the resolution states that the resolution did not respect the principle of proportionality in environmental mattersand also comments on the economic consequences for citizens who cannot afford to change vehicles and the impact on businesses using the city centre.

When we read in Country, The resolution does not suspend the effect of the resolution in any area and is not an executive power. That is, restrictions in low-emission zones, including Central Madrid and the Plaza Elíptica, remains in effect until further notice.

Madrid City Council Still Has an Asset

The fact that TSJM has accepted VOX’s request for processing is progress towards Central Madrid and ZBE will eventually be eliminated. especially if we admit that some of the principles of the resolution are poorly stated and at that time insufficient environmental documentation was provided.

Now the Madrid City Council 30 days — starting today — to analyze the sentence and appeal it. After this time, and provided that the committee chaired by José Luis Matínes Almeida presents its documentation, The question of whether to ratify the verdict or not will be decided by the TSJM..

If the decision is in favor of the appeal This will happen when the municipal ordinance ceases to be in effect. and any vehicle, whatever year it is and whatever sticker you have, you can move freely around Madrid without fear of getting a fine. Of course, don’t expect it to be a quick process, as in a similar case in Barcelona, ​​the approval of the sentence It took several months to become effective..

For now, as far as Central Madrid, Plaza Elíptica and low emission zones are concerned, everything remains the same, and if you are driving before the final decision against it, You will receive an appropriate fine.

What will happen to the previous fines of Central Madrid?

Well, although this is not something that was commented on in the submitted appeal and which TSJM has not yet started to address, it is an interesting topic for the public. Especially for those who have ever received fine for driving in the center of Madrid or using ZBE.

Everything will depend on the decision and the documents presented by both parties, because if it is established that the decree was meaningless from the moment it was implemented, the Madrid City Council could face a serious problem with everyone fines that have occurred since it came into force last 2021.

If the ruling is favorable to the appeal, it could put pressure on the institution complaint line for all those fines that were supposedly executed according to incomplete or even illegal rules.

However, if you are one of the victims, we recommend that you do not place too much hope, or at least be patient with the processAny decision, whether in favour or against the Madrid Centre, will take time.