Lisbon's Historic Push: Could Electric Cars Soon Rule the City Center?

Environmental Groups Launch Petition for Zero-Emission Zone in Lisbon

A groundbreaking initiative has been unveiled in Lisbon, as the environmental association Zero and the Santa Maria Maior Residents' Association have launched a petition to establish the city's first Zero Emission Zone (ZEE). This proposal aims to restrict vehicle access in central Lisbon to only electric vehicles, with exceptions for residents and emergency services.

Key Details of the Proposal

In a statement, Zero emphasized the urgency of this move, highlighting that the creation of a ZEE in the Baixa area is crucial for reducing air pollution. The petition, available online, calls for the zone to cover prominent locations such as Rua da Madalena, Largo José Saramago, Cais do Sodré, Chiado, Rossio, and Praça da Figueira. Importantly, residents of the Santa Maria Maior parish and emergency vehicles would be exempt from these restrictions.

Additional Measures and Justifications

Beyond the electric vehicle mandate, the associations are advocating for several complementary actions:

• Implementation of a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h to enhance safety and reduce emissions.
• Creation of dedicated BUS corridors for electrified public transport to prioritize sustainable mobility.
• Giving priority to residents in underground parking facilities to support local communities.

Zero justifies the need for this zone by referencing data collected over the past year, which shows worrying levels of air pollutant concentrations in areas like Avenida da Liberdade and Rua da Madalena. The current Reduced Emission Zone (ZER), established in 2011, is deemed outdated and ineffective due to insufficient enforcement, failing to address modern pollution challenges.

Broader Context

This initiative coincides with the end of the European Mobility Week, during which 96 Portuguese municipalities participated. However, Zero notes the absence of traditional 'Car-Free Days' in major cities this year, underscoring the need for more robust actions like the proposed ZEE.

By pushing for this change, Zero and local residents aim to transform Lisbon into a cleaner, healthier urban environment, setting a precedent for other cities in Portugal and beyond.