Kapsch TrafficCom delivers Low Emission Zone project in Spain
Madrid, April 9, 2026 – Kapsch TrafficCom has completed the implementation of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Castellón de la Plana, a city of 171,000 inhabitants on the Mediterranean coast of Spain.
The project, with a financial size of EUR 1.52 million, commenced in December 2022. This marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to improve urban sustainability and air quality.
“This project presented unique challenges, including adapting to complex municipal regulations and integrating innovative technologies such as combined fixed and variable signage solutions,” said Juan Zamakona, Vice President and Managing Director of Kapsch TrafficCom for Iberia. “Our close collaboration with the city council ensured we met these challenges effectively, providing a tailored solution that aligns with Castellón de la Plana’s vision for a sustainable future.”
Scope of the system
Kapsch TrafficCom has provided a comprehensive solution that includes various technological components to identify vehicles entering and leaving the LEZ, as well as the software to operate and monitor the LEZ and integrate it into the city's mobility management system.
The system is includes a number plate recognition system, air quality sensors, sound level sensors and a signalling system to inform users. The entry and exit points are monitored by 45 optical character recognition (OCR) cameras, which are capable of reading vehicle number plates and performing video analysis to classifies vehicle types including lorries, buses, vans, cars, motorcycles and mopeds. In addition, there are a further 6 OCR cameras located in public car parks within the ZBE to monitor vehicles that enter these car parks.
24 sensors have been installed to measure air pollution and noise levels in areas that have high levels of traffic and in sensitive locations, such as schools. The data will be integrated into the city's mobility management system. In addition, the existing EcoTrafiX system, which currently manages traffic in the city, has been updated to provide new tools and additional data that will improve multimodal traffic control strategies.
Additionally, 22 fixed and variable message signs will provide information on the access restrictions and display data related to on air quality, among other indicators. The project also introduced a dedicated mobile application to facilitate user authorization and provide information about the LEZ to citizens.
An international benchmark
The project’s benefits extend to both the public and local authorities. Residents will experience improved air quality, an enhanced urban traffic experience, and incentives for sustainable transportation. For authorities, the LEZ helps to comply with national and international regulations on emissions and air quality and reduces public health costs.
The project will position the Castellón de la Plana LEZ as a benchmark in sustainability and smart urban development in Spain and the EU and increase the quality of life for its citizens for years to come. The initiative was jointly funded through the European ‘Next Generation’ funds as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
Kapsch TrafficCom is an international provider of transport solutions for sustainable mobility with successful projects in more than 50 countries worldwide. Our innovative solutions in the areas of tolling and traffic management contribute to a healthy world without traffic congestion.
With our end-to-end solutions, we cover the entire value chain of our customers, from the components to the design and implementation to the operation of the systems.
Kapsch TrafficCom, headquartered in Vienna, has subsidiaries and branches in more than 25 countries and is listed on the main market segment of the Vienna Stock Exchange (symbol: KTCG). More than 3,000 employees of Kapsch TrafficCom generated revenues of EUR 530 million in the fiscal year 2024/25.