The TSJA ruling, which addresses the appeal filed by Vox arguing discrimination, compels the council to reconsider the measure that imposed fines based on a vehicle's registration location. The Mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, expressed his regret over this decision, noting that it could negatively impact the capital's own citizens.
De la Torre defended the legality of the original measure, designed to protect residents and offer them "flexibility". "The ruling points to a level playing field," admitted the mayor, who stated that the City Council will seek "how to resolve" the situation to maintain preferential treatment for Malaga residents compared to drivers from elsewhere.
“"The ruling makes it very clear, in case the appellants had any doubts about it."
Despite the judicial rejection regarding exemptions, the mayor reaffirmed the ZBE's mandatory nature. "It has been made very clear that it is totally legal and that it is an obligation to do so," he reiterated, emphasizing that compliance with environmental regulations is crucial for accessing "European support for mobility".
Furthermore, De la Torre also addressed the moratorium on tourist apartments, indicating that the Urban Planning Department is working "very seriously and thoroughly" to implement the measure with "maximum legal basis and full coherence". While acknowledging that projects with prior legal backing cannot be halted, he stressed the objective of dedicating residential land to "housing for the people of Malaga" and moving forward "as quickly as possible".
