The audit report from the Andalusian Court of Auditors, approved in June and recently published, points out the challenges faced by municipalities in Cádiz with over 50,000 inhabitants in launching Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and complying with Law 7/2021 on Climate Change and the subsequent Royal Decree. These zones involve restricting road traffic in urban areas to reduce pollution.
The regulation obliges municipalities with over 50,000 inhabitants to have their LEZs operational. In the province of Cádiz, this affects cities such as Algeciras, Cádiz, Chiclana, Jerez, La Línea, El Puerto Santa María, San Fernando, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The report, though belated, highlights significant delays and deficiencies in the submitted projects.
As of March 31, 2025, no city in the province had its LEZ fully operational, despite the law setting this deadline. At the Andalusian level, only 10 out of 30 obligated municipalities met the requirements on time. The fieldwork concluded on September 15, 2025, by which time only La Línea, Chiclana, and Jerez had a technical project. The situation has evolved, with San Fernando approving its ordinance in February, although practical implementation remains pending.
In the Bay of Cádiz area, only Cádiz and Chiclana have initiated their LEZs, but still in a trial period without sanctions. Jerez has also been operational since February, notifying non-compliance without issuing fines. La Línea has been functioning since February, while in Sanlúcar the project has not been approved, and in El Puerto, procedures are ongoing.
The report also highlights significant shortcomings in the projects. In Jerez and La Línea, previous pollution levels and environmental impact were not assessed, nor were noise maps or public opinion studies conducted. Only Chiclana met all criteria in this regard. The Court of Auditors also notes the absence of legal analyses, economic reports, and social and gender impact studies in these cities.
The political party VOX has filed appeals before the High Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA) in Chiclana and San Fernando, citing fundamental omissions in the development of the LEZs.
