Javi Martin
The chase of broadcasts is leading things to quite strange and a bit confusing situations. At first, one of the main star actions, the famous labels, can be considered a total fiasco, because not only do they award an ECO label to cars that do not deserve it (a two-ton SUV, more than 400 hp and a consumption of at least 9 liters on average approved, is it an "ECO" car no matter how hybrid it may be? ?), but punishes others much less polluting.
This is due, of course, to the way the labels are awarded, based on technology and registration date. In this way, classic cars, the vehicles that could be considered the most cared for in all of Spain, are totally excluded, excluded as highly polluting vehicles due to their high age. And yes, they are right, classic vehicles are polluting by technology, but in reality, its contribution to the deterioration of the air is so ridiculous that it does not deserve to be taken into account.
From the European Union they urge all members of the community bloc to improve air quality and the only way to achieve this is through the establishment of different regulations that regulate the circulation of vehicles. In big cities like Madrid or Barcelona, it is clear that pollution is a serious problem, something that needs to be stopped, but it is not the first time that the administration has done things "in any way".
In the case of classic vehicles, many voices demand that they have a special treatment, with the aim of being able to continue driving through the so-called “Low Emission Zones” as is the case with other neighboring countries. Classic vehicles are rarely used, their maintenance is usually meticulous and the general condition is usually very good.. They are vehicles that, despite having a combustion engine and yes, inefficient, do not circulate enough to be really a problem.
Thus several actions arose so that all this changed and the administration has been asked for a regulation that takes into account classic vehiclesThey are not simple machines, they are part of history and as such must be preserved. Communication between administration, clubs, organizations and users has been almost nil, as governments have not bothered to respond to the different requests received until the last moment, although it seems that in the end things are looking good, at least in Madrid.
The mobility ordinance in Madrid was voted on September 10 and seems to fulfill what was promised. The FEVA (Spanish Federation of Antique Vehicles) has been conducting negotiations with the government so that classic vehicles were taken into account, but for the better. A) Yes, it has been achieved that historic vehicles will be exempt from traffic restrictions, but they must be that, historical vehicles and therefore, the historical license plate is essential.
All other vehicles without a DGT label will not be able to access the Low Emissions Zone of Madrid Central District, with some exceptions. For example, if the driver is registered in one of the affected areas, he will be able to access it, as well as if they are going to pick up the little ones from school. However, that will also have the days numbered, since from January 1, 2024, no vehicle without a DGT label will be able to circulate inside the M-30. And as of January 1, 2025, not even those residing in the areas affected by Madrid Central District will be able to access with their “old car” without a DGT label.
This ordinance is really important, because all cities that establish Low Emission Zones will use Madrid as their starting base. And they will not be few, because those populations with more than 50.000 inhabitants will have to have a low emissions zone, required by Europe.
However, in Barcelona historical registration is not taken into account and therefore, all classic vehicles are left out, so they cannot circulate through the city center under any circumstances, as it prohibits the entry of gasoline vehicles prior to 2000, diesel vehicles prior to 2006, vans prior to 1994 and motorcycles (and mopeds) prior to 2003, every day weekdays from 7 a.m. to 20 p.m. If they need to circulate through the center, they must request individual authorizations. This Barcelona ordinance will be appealed.
