Appeal the San Sebastián LEZ: a common front against the measure
The RACVN and the Liberum Association appeal the LEZ of San Sebastian due to the deep rejection generated by this regulation, recently implemented in the capital of Gipuzkoa. Both organizations have decided to act legally by filing appeals before the Superior Court of Justice of the Basque Country (TSJPV), arguing that the regulations limit fundamental freedoms and generate discrimination against certain sectors of society.
RACVN: More than a century defending the motorist
The Royal Automobile Club Vasco Navarro (RACVN), founded more than a century ago, has historically stood out for defending the rights of motorists in Euskadi and Navarra, becoming a key reference for mobility and road safety in the region. In addition to offering essential services such as roadside assistance, technical and legal advice, and educational campaigns on safe mobility, the RACVN maintains an active position in the defense of individual and collective rights related to personal and vehicular mobility.
Since the Low Emissions Zone came into force, the RACVN has decided to appeal the San Sebastián LEZ forcefully, describing the measure as “taxable” and “unfair.” The organization claims that its implementation lacks the necessary balance between environmental protection and respect for individual freedoms. According to the RACVN, this regulation has been imposed without sufficient social consensus and without an adequate evaluation of its economic and social effects.
Eduardo Martínez, managing director of the RACVN, has expressed that they are appealing the San Sebastián LEZ because they consider that it violates the freedom of movement guaranteed by the Spanish Constitution, especially affecting citizens with fewer economic resources. Martínez emphasizes that many cannot afford to purchase more modern vehicles or those with adequate environmental labels, thus generating social exclusion. Furthermore, it highlights the existing inconsistency between the zones designated as LEZ and the truly most contaminated areas, thus questioning the effectiveness and justice of this regulation.
Liberum: Emerged in the pandemic to protect freedoms
The Liberum Association It emerged during the pandemic as a response to government restrictions that some social sectors considered excessive or unfair. Since then, it has stood out for actively defending individual freedoms, resorting to different measures considered restrictive and arbitrary. Now, Liberum has also decided to appeal the San Sebastián LEZ, arguing that this measure directly violates fundamental constitutional rights.
Liberum emphasizes that they appeal to the San Sebastián LEZ because it unfairly limits freedom of movement, especially affecting people with fewer economic resources or residents in rural or peripheral areas with worse access to public transport. The association has assured that it will take the case to the ultimate legal consequences, defending the citizen’s right to move freely without discriminatory economic impositions.
Demand for a profound review of the regulations
Both organizations agree on demanding a deep and complete review of the regulations related to the LEZ. They consider it essential that the Superior Court of Justice of the Basque Country (TSJPV) evaluates not only formal legality, but also proportionality and real effects on environmental quality and urban mobility. They propose the existence of more equitable and effective alternatives that avoid such severe restrictions and excessive economic penalties.
Both RACVN and Liberum insist that such radical measures must have a broad social and political consensus, and be supported by objective technical studies that clearly support their necessity and effectiveness. In this sense, they suggest adopting complementary and balanced strategies, transparent in their implementation and socially inclusive.
Fines from today in San Sebastián
It should be noted that, starting today, March 14, the San Sebastián City Council has begun to apply economic sanctions to those vehicles that fail to comply with the restrictions imposed by the LEZ. This decision has further increased social discontent, reinforcing criticism from organizations such as RACVN and Liberum. Given this situation, both associations recommend that affected drivers become well informed about the administrative procedures to appeal unfair or poorly notified fines, as well as obtain legal advice if they consider their fundamental rights violated.
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