Málaga's Low Emission Zone has imposed 35,457 fines in its first six months, with an estimated revenue of between 3.5 and 7 million euros, while the TSJA annulled the ordinance and the City Council is considering an appeal.
The Low Emission Zone (ZBE) of Málaga has issued a total of 35,457 fines in its first six months of operation, according to data provided by the City Council's Security Area at the request of the municipal group Con Málaga. The figure comes amid a judicial controversy, after the Superior Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA) annulled the ordinance for discriminating against vehicles not registered in the capital.
35,457 penalties in six months
Of the 35,457 fines, 23,745 correspond to vehicles from outside the city that accessed the ZBE without an environmental badge between February 2 and May 18. Another 11,712 penalties were imposed between December 29 and February 1, when the ordinance was already in force. The month with the most violations was March, with 7,640 fines, followed by December, with 6,213.
Each fine amounts to 200 euros, reduced to 100 euros if paid within the voluntary period. Thus, the estimated revenue ranges between 3.5 million (if all pay the early payment) and 7 million euros (if the full amount is paid).
The TSJA strikes down the ZBE and the City Council considers an appeal
The ZBE ordinance was annulled by the TSJA as it was deemed to only penalise vehicles from outside Málaga, which violates the principle of equality. Despite the ruling, the PP government team keeps the ZBE active and continues to impose fines while considering whether to appeal to the Supreme Court. The deputy spokesperson for Con Málaga, Toni Morillas, has demanded the suspension of the sanctioning regime and that the revenue be allocated to sustainable mobility, such as park and ride facilities connected to public transport.
Morillas has reminded that the PP promised three years ago 5,000 park and ride spaces of which "not a single one" has been delivered. She has also called for a renewal of the EMT fleet. "It is necessary to approve a modification of the mobility ordinance that allows the ZBE to be conditioned on the implementation of park and ride facilities," she stated.
What does it mean for Málaga drivers?
While judicial uncertainty persists, drivers from outside Málaga remain the main affected: if they access the centre without an environmental badge, they risk a 200 euro fine. Residents of the capital, on the other hand, are not penalised, which has generated criticism of discrimination. The City Council has not announced changes to the ordinance, so the ZBE remains operational. It is expected that in the coming weeks the government team will decide whether to appeal to the Supreme Court or modify the regulations to comply with the ruling.
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