Spanish government approves sustainable transport bill

The Spanish government has approved a bill that would allow councils to introduce tolls for the first time in order to reduce pollution. 

When implemented, the Sustainable Mobility Law will penalize cities that do not comply with sustainability projects, promote the creation of low emission zones (ZBEs), and promote cycling. 

Spanish transport minister, Óscar Puente, said the law gives a legal basis for councils to bring in tolls, but "does not oblige" them to do so. "It will be the municipalities that decide whether or not to implement a toll system in their municipal area." 

Puente criticized the "rebellion" of municipalities governed by the conservative PP and far-right Vox against sustainable transport measures. 

At a press conference following a Spanish cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Puente explained that the law will now be processed via the urgent procedure in the Spanish Congress, where he hopes it will gain the maximum possible support. 

"It is a necessary law," he said, because "mobility accounts for 13% of household expenditure, creates more than 800,000 jobs, accounts for nearly 5% of Spanish GDP and generates more than 5 billion trips on public transport." 

The bill was provisionally approved during the Spanish government's last term but lapsed due to elections being called.