Tenerife Capital Approves New Low Emission Zone to Restrict Older Vehicles

Tenerife’s capital is set for a major change in how people get around the city. The City Council has officially approved a new ordinance to create a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). The plan passed with support from the governing coalition (CC and PP) and independent councilor Juan Manuel Hermoso, while the PSOE abstained and Vox voted against it.

This move aligns with European sustainability standards and is backed by 12 million euros in Next Generation funding. The project goes beyond just restricting traffic; it includes buying 11 new electric buses, building charging stations, and renovating key streets like Imeldo Serís and La Rosa.

The new zone covers the city’s historic and commercial center, bordered by the Barranco de Santos, Avenida de Anaga, and the streets of Méndez Núñez and San Isidro. These perimeter roads are not included in the restrictions. The rules will be in effect Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and will primarily affect older vehicles that lack an environmental badge.

To help residents and businesses adjust, the council incorporated 15 public suggestions into the final plan and included several exemptions. Residents, emergency services, public transport, taxis, health workers, delivery vehicles, cars for people with reduced mobility, and historic vehicles will all have automatic access.

Additionally, the council has created a free permit system for specific needs, including large families, caregivers, low-income households, and professionals who need access for repairs, school runs, or medical logistics.

In the same session, the council approved a 15-million-euro budget boost using municipal surplus funds to improve housing, sports facilities, and general infrastructure. The meeting ended on a positive note with a unanimous vote to name a promenade in García Sanabria Park after the poet Joan Margarit.