Vallès residents confused by Low Emission Zone rules and fines

Residents in Sabadell and Terrassa, two major cities in the Vallès region, are increasingly confused by the rules and enforcement of Low Emission Zones (ZBEs). Many drivers struggle to understand when sanctions apply, if at all, and the details of local exemptions.

Estefanía, a 39-year-old Sabadell resident, described the measure as "a mess because we don't quite know if sanctions are active or not now." She recently learned that Sabadell's ZBE had resumed fining vehicles without environmental labels after a suspension during the Rodalies rail crisis. While the ZBE area does not affect her directly, her father avoids driving his car into the centre. "Luckily, I live right on the edge and can leave the car there, otherwise it would be a hassle," she said.

This confusion is widespread in cities where ZBEs have fully come into force after an inconsistent implementation phase, such as Sabadell and Terrassa. Drivers are puzzled not only by the fluctuating enforcement of fines but also by the specific details of the regulations. In both Vallès co-capitals, for example, an exemption exists for residents living in the centre, but this does not apply to those in peripheral neighbourhoods. There have also been progressive moratoriums based on vehicle types.

Jordi, 37, lives in Barcelona but regularly visits his parents in Terrassa. His car lacks an environmental label, so he avoids the city centre. "In Barcelona, I was already fined once," he recalled. In Terrassa, however, he finds the situation simpler. "The ZBEs are very central, and there is still room to park outside and then walk," he explained. Jordi believes the restrictions affect those living within the delimited zones more, although the reality is often the opposite.

Exemptions and Public Perception

In both Sabadell and Terrassa, registered residents within the ZBE can benefit from exemptions, a detail many admit they do not know. Marc, 26, owns a vehicle without an environmental label and said he has never received a fine despite regularly driving through the restricted zone. He was unaware that being registered within the ZBE exempts his vehicle from potential sanctions.

Beyond these uncertainties, a shared sentiment among residents is that ZBEs do not generate significant social concern outside of those directly affected. "I don't think it's good or bad, it's simply a limitation we have to respect," summarised Josep Maria, a 63-year-old Sabadell resident, who admitted to being "tired of the matter."

Sabadell and Terrassa share many ZBE measures. Besides the resident exemption, they allow vehicles without environmental labels to circulate for up to 24 working days a year. Exceptions are also made for people with reduced mobility, those undergoing medical treatments, or individuals with low incomes. However, there are some differences in how citizens perceive these restrictions.

Despite the similarities, some drivers believe the restrictions are more visible in Barcelona than in the Vallès, where areas near the centre still allow parking outside the restricted perimeter, enabling people to continue their journey on foot. While vehicles with a B (yellow) label can currently circulate without problems, the planned ban for 2028 is starting to worry some professional drivers.

Future Concerns for Drivers

Leonardo, a 33-year-old delivery driver who works mainly in Terrassa with a B-label van, acknowledged that his concern will grow later. "The problem will be if what they have announced comes true, that in Catalonia, B-label vehicles will be sanctioned from 2028. Then I will have to worry and think about changing my vehicle because this is how I work," he explained.

While authorities defend ZBEs as a necessary tool to improve air quality and move towards more sustainable cities, doubts persist among the public. Many citizens continue to try and understand rules that, whether liked or not, are here to stay. After an initial phase without sanctions, allowing users to adapt, Sabadell and Terrassa began a new phase of ZBE implementation in early 2026. This phase allows for fines of €200 for non-compliant vehicles.

The paths of the two Vallès co-capitals have differed. In Terrassa, the municipal ordinance was initially approved in March 2024 and came into force two months later, in May. It was not until 1 May 2025 that the system became operational, though without fines. In Sabadell, cameras and signage were installed in early 2025, and the license plate reading system started on 15 September of that year.

Sabadell's ordinance restricts the circulation of the most polluting vehicles in the city centre, an area bordered by Plaça Catalunya, Ronda Zamenhof, Vilarrúbias, Brujas, Estació, Marquès de Comillas, and Latorre streets. It also includes the N-150 road, between Latorre and Ronda Ponent, and Ronda Ponent itself. Terrassa's ZBE covers streets within the area delimited by Passeig del Vint-i-dos de Juliol, Vallparadís Park, Carretera de Moncada, Carretera de Martorell, Faraday Street, and Josep Trueta Street. These mentioned roads are excluded from the ZBE itself.