The project, promoted by the Urban Planning Department led by Matías Ruiz, aims to improve air quality, reduce pollutant emissions and traffic noise, and promote the recovery of public space and pedestrian mobility. The resolution for public exhibition was issued on October 14th by Matías Ruiz, in accordance with Royal Decree 1052/2022.
The Urban Planning Councilor, Matías Ruiz, highlighted that “with this step, we are taking an important stride in developing a project that must respond to Orihuela's characteristics and its residents' needs”. The technical proposal differentiates three areas of action: the historic center, the expanded urban area, and Orihuela Costa, addressing the municipality's territorial particularities.
In the historic center, specific regulation of access and circulation is planned, considering its status as a Site of Cultural Interest and the need to preserve heritage. Access for residents, garage owners, businesses, essential services, and emergencies, among other authorized cases, is foreseen.
For the urban area of Orihuela, a progressive implementation of measures will be established, linked to vehicle environmental classification and the residency status of their owners. An initial adaptation and information phase of six months without restrictions or sanctions (phase 0) is contemplated. Subsequently, in phase 1, limitations would initially affect vehicles without an environmental badge whose owners are not registered in the municipality.
In Orihuela Costa, the proposed solution focuses on regulating parking in frontline beach areas and nearby streets, especially during periods of high influx. The objective is to improve mobility during peak season and reduce congestion, prioritizing parking management.
The project incorporates signaling, control, and monitoring systems, including the progressive installation of license plate reading cameras and information panels, to assess the evolution of air quality, noise, and mobility.
Matías Ruiz emphasized that “we are facing a project that is in the public information phase and, therefore, does not imply the immediate entry into force of restrictions”. He highlighted the importance of the exhibition period to listen to residents, shopkeepers, and all affected parties, aiming for a proportionate and reasonable regulation.
The project also pays attention to economic and commercial activity, with authorization mechanisms and exceptions to be detailed in the future municipal ordinance. A first review of the measures is planned three years after the formal establishment of the ZBE.
During the 30 days of public information, the complete project can be consulted on the notice board and the transparency portal of the electronic headquarters of the Orihuela City Council (https://orihuela.sedelectronica.es/). Once the period concludes, the allegations will be studied to continue with the approval procedures.
