Kapsch TrafficCom completes low-emission zone project in Palencia, Spain
- Better urban access for citizens, positive impact on health and air quality
- Contract value: EUR 1.4 million
Madrid, 3 March 2026 - Kapsch TrafficCom is proud to announce the completion of the implementation of the Palencia low-emission zone.
Awarded in November 2024, Kapsch TrafficCom was responsible for implementing access control for the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the city of Palencia. A low emission zone is an area, usually in the city centre, where access is restricted to certain types of polluting vehicles in order to improve air quality. In Spain, more than 200 cities have or will have LEZs, affecting millions of citizens and visitors.
With the new low emission zone, Palencia will improve air quality and the health of its approximately 75,000 citizens, contribute to the fight against the climate crisis and support the modal shift towards more sustainable modes of transport, while keeping the city centre free of traffic jams. This allows better and more convenient access to the city centre for both citizens and visitors, which promotes the city's economic growth.
The project includes both the supply and installation of vehicle control equipment and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, air quality sensors, user information panels and signs, as well as the implementation of a digital ZBE platform and its integration with other city mobility systems.
Juan Zamakona, Vice President and Managing Director of Kapsch TrafficCom for Iberia, explains: ‘The system is based on 40 cameras designed for number plate recognition and a platform that manages permits, exceptions and penalties for the environmental zone, so that only authorised vehicles can enter it. In addition, air quality within the zone is measured to ensure that everything is working as intended.’
The company is also responsible for the web and application platforms, where citizens and businesses can apply for access authorisations.
The initial contract value is EUR 1.4 million.
"We are proud that our technology is helping another Spanish city to combat pollution. Our approach in Palencia mirrors our project in Castelló, demonstrating the viability of our solution for cities of different sizes and geographical requirements," concludes Juan Zamakona.
This project has been funded by the European Union through NextGenerationEU and the Spanish Government's Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
More information: Press | Kapsch TrafficCom