Mark604

"Spanish authorities have introduced new driving restrictions in the centre of the country's capital, Madrid, aimed at reducing air pollution by up to 40%.
The tough measures mean motorists will have to test their vehicles' emissions, with the oldest and most polluting vehicles banned from the city centre."

Practically, how does this work? If you have a Spanish registered car, do you have to get some form of certificate? Or is it something you get at your vehicle test?
What if you have a foreign registered car? Can they detect it is too old?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46403397

Retired in Euskadi

In our paper today (El Correo) it mentioned this. It'll be for a 10km radius. There are warning signs painted on the road, and a red line to limit where you can/cannot go. It looks as if the police will apply a "light touch" at present for vehicles that contravene the ban.
Unfortunately I cannot find the article online to send you a link. As from next March they'll be imposing fines of €90.

Johncarzx

Another good earner

Mark604

How is it policed though? Number plate recognition cameras? How do they know or how can you prove you are eligible or not? Just the make/model and year of manufacture of the car?

SteveDW

Double winner, less pollution and more tax income to spend on the city, or reduce other taxes. A light touch is the way to go until drivers have a chance to adapt, and then tax them if they want to contaminate the city.

Retired in Euskadi

Not sure. We have a Toyota hybrid with an Eco sticker in the windscreen but don't know if it has a chip; doubt it. Not that we go to Madrid much, if at all.
I assume at present that the red line and symbols on the approach roads deter most drivers from entering the "sacred zone". I've looked at the DGT website for Madrid restrictions, but cannot find any reference as yet.
I get the impression it's not like the London congestion charge security.

Fred James

You need a windscreen sticker that shows the eco category. Take your car papers and ID to the nearest Correos office and they will give you one.

Mark604

Same then as in Germany, and a few other European countries. Every car has a coloured sticker with a number on it depending on its emissions.

bobd22

Some info here

How and Why You Should Obtain your Eco Sticker | N332.es - Driving In Spain

spainrico

More here (in English)

https://elpais.com/elpais/2018/11/30...77_207058.html

frigilianafreddy

Fred, I am driving down from the UK for the Tennis Open in Madrid next year. What will i have to do as a driver of a UK registered vehicle, do you know?

Fred James

newpower

If driving down from UK you will need a sticker driving through several city's in France.

Johncarzx

Are Sat Navs and maps identifying these restricted areas?

frigilianafreddy

Should be good for tourism! Cancelled hotel and will stay out of the centre.