Barcelona to open southern Europe's biggest low-emissions zone

City bans most polluting vehicles from area 20 times the size of Madrid's zone

The largest low-emissions zone in southern Europe opens in Barcelona on New Year's Day, banning the most polluting vehicles from entering an urban area including the city and some satellite towns.

Petrol-driven cars bought before 2000 and diesels older than 2006 will be banned and face a fine of a100-a500 (85-425) each time they enter the zone. A moratorium will be in place for the first three months, during which time offenders will receive notification of the infraction but will not be fined.