MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Madrid bans old petrol and diesel vehicles to combat pollution

Petrol vehicles manufactured before 2000 and diesel ones registered prior to 2006 are banned from the area or will face a 90 Euro fine.

Madrid has activated an anti-pollution order that significantly restricts private vehicles in the city center, including a total ban on the most polluting cars.

The much-debated plan establishes a 472-hectare low-emission zone in the heart of the Spanish capital.

Petrol vehicles manufactured before 2000 and diesel ones registered prior to 2006 are banned from the area or will face a 90 Euro fine.

Only public buses, taxis, residents and some professional vehicles are exempt.

Electric, zero-emission cars are allowed in.

Some local politicians say the plan will have meager effects on air quality and is a publicity stunt by the city’s mayor Manuela Carmena.

Ms Carmena, a left-wing former judge, said those opposed to the changes will get used to the restrictions and increase their use of public transport.