Orihuela’s proposed low-emission zone is open to public consultation for 30 days, with separate approaches for the historic centre, the wider urban area and Orihuela Costa. On the coast, the initial proposal focuses on managing parking near beaches rather than introducing a general perimeter restricting vehicle movements.
The council announced the consultation on 16 October, following a planning resolution dated 14 October. This is an opportunity to examine the project and submit representations: it does not bring restrictions or fines into immediate effect. Future municipal rules will have to specify the conditions, authorisations and implementation timetable.
What is proposed for Orihuela Costa
The project, prepared by Tema Ingeniería, proposes parking measures in selected beachfront areas and streets close to the main coastal access points, particularly during busy periods. It retains a general approach of unrestricted circulation along the coast.
The parking measures would concern the most polluting vehicles, especially those without an environmental sticker and those with a B sticker, subject to justified exemptions. The stated aim is to reduce congestion caused by drivers searching for parking and organise public space more effectively during peak season.
Separate stages for the town
For the urban area, the proposal includes an initial six-month period for adaptation, information and testing systems, without traffic restrictions or penalties. That period would run from a start date still to be determined. In the next phase, restrictions would initially affect vehicles without an environmental sticker whose owners are not registered as residents in Orihuela.
A possible later stage would extend restrictions for non-resident owners to vehicles with no sticker or a B sticker. Registered residents would face restrictions on vehicles without a sticker, subject to exemptions. This extension would not be automatic: it would require evaluation, justification and administrative procedures, with a year of warnings without fines for the newly affected categories.
The historic centre would have its own access rules reflecting its heritage status. Necessary access is envisaged for residents, property owners and garage users, businesses, essential services and emergencies, under conditions to be established in the municipal ordinance.
Reading the plans and submitting comments
The document includes proposed authorisations and exemptions for reduced mobility, healthcare, public services, deliveries and other essential journeys. It also envisages the gradual introduction of number-plate recognition cameras, information systems and environmental monitoring.
The complete project can be consulted through the noticeboard and transparency portal of the council’s electronic office. Interested people and organisations may submit representations through the established administrative channels during the consultation. The council announcement specifies a 30-day consultation period.
After considering the submissions, the council must continue the approval process and develop the necessary rules. The project therefore does not mean that the proposed restrictions are already operating in either Orihuela Costa or the town.
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