The first day of the new year came with bad news for a number of residents in Barcelona, where the local authorities have prohibited older cars from entering most streets.
Those driving gasoline-powered cars older than 2000 and diesel-powered models registered before 2006 are no longer allowed to enter the imposed 37 square-mile (59.5 square-kilometer) zone, out of the total area of 63 sq-mi (102 sq-km), reports TheTimes.
The restriction is applied on weekdays, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and those violating it will face fines of €100-€150 ($112-$168). As some motorists might not know of the ban yet, offenders will not be fined in the first three months of 2020, but rather notified, after being spotted by one (or more) of the 150 cameras that were recently installed.
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Delivery drivers and those who can prove that they earn under €8,000 ($8,954) per year will enjoy a 12-month grace period. Owners of cars registered outside the Western European country looking to drive in the city can do so, after applying for a permit from the city hall.
According to the mayor’s office, around 50,000 vehicles will be affected by the measure daily, and this number will increase starting next year, when older trucks, vans and buses will not be allowed to enter the low-emission zone anymore.
Barcelona hasn’t been able to keep the nitrogen oxide values within the EU-imposed limits since 2002. The poor air quality has caused the death of 424 people between 2010 and 2017, according to a report by the city’s health department.
