Low emission areas (ZBE) are already a reality in many Spanish cities, and with them, the sanctions for those who circulate without complying with the regulations also arrive. With fines that can reach the 200 eurosavoiding entering one of these areas without the corresponding label has become a concern for many drivers.
Luckily, Google Maps has updated its application to include a New icon with a “Z”which will notify you before getting into a good problem. In my case, for example, I will save me from all those trips to the center of Madrid where for an error of the browser I can skip a street and take a considerable fine.
New function on Google Maps to save the fines
This icon, which is already appearing on the routes within the app, indicates that the destination or the journey include a Low emission zone. If your car does not meet the requirements to access, you will see a Notice that will remind you And, in some cases, it will even suggest an alternative route to avoid the fine. At the moment, this functionality is only available in the mobile version of Google Maps, but it is expected to also reach the web version in future updates.
In addition to the icon on the map, Google Maps will show you a detailed message when you plan a route affected by these restrictions. It specifies what types of vehicles can circulate and which ones have prohibited access, generally those without environmental label, with distinctive B or even some with C. For clarity, the app also links directly to the local regulations of each municipality, to have at hand the exceptions of each municipality and the current legislative.
Low emissions areas of Madrid
While this function is a great advance when it comes to avoiding unnecessary fines and that are not at all economical, it still has a room for improvement. Currently, Google Maps has only implemented this tool in the main cities where the ZBE are fully operational. However, they are 149 Spanish municipalities that must adopt these restrictionsand not everyone still appears in the application. The company is working to expand the database, so in the coming months it is expected that more areas will be incorporated into the alert system.
For the usual drivers, this new icon on Google Maps will become an essential ally, especially in cities where restrictions change from one neighborhood to another. With the growing number of Zbe in Spain, checking the journey before leaving will be almost an obligation to avoid unpleasant surprises when receiving a fine at home. So the next time you use Google Maps and see a “Z” on the screen, take it as a warning: I could save more than one disgust.
And best of all, it is not necessary A circle.
