Santa Cruz Police Unions Oppose New Low Emission Zone Over Staffing Concerns

The introduction of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has sparked a dispute between the city council and labor unions. Police unions—including UGT, CC.OO., and CSIF—warn that the new traffic restrictions could compromise public safety. Their primary concern is that officers may be pulled away from preventive patrols and emergency response to handle administrative tasks related to the new system.

The unions argue that the city’s draft ordinance is too vague. While the council has given the plan initial approval, it fails to specify who will manage the technical workload, such as reviewing camera footage, handling user complaints, and monitoring software. Without dedicated administrative staff, these duties would likely fall to street officers. Consequently, the unions are calling for a halt to the process until these issues can be addressed through collective bargaining.

Operational concerns are further fueled by a lack of planning regarding human resources. The unions point out that the city has not conducted an impact study to determine if more staff or specialized training will be needed. They argue that forcing officers to take on these extra responsibilities without proper support or resources creates an unsustainable and stressful working environment.

This conflict highlights the challenges of complying with the Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition, which requires cities with over 50,000 residents to establish restricted zones. As seen in other Spanish cities, successful sustainable mobility requires more than just technology; it requires careful organizational planning to ensure that core police services are not neglected. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the absence of a clear plan for staffing and funding remains the biggest hurdle to reaching a consensus on the new regulations.