Spain’s traffic authority is considering a two-person minimum occupancy rule for cars in major cities like Madrid, as part of a broader push to overhaul urban mobility and curb congestion.
The proposal, still under review by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), takes its cue from High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane policies in other parts of Europe.
If implemented, it would encourage carpooling by restricting access for single-occupant vehicles on certain routes.
The DGT, led by Pere Navarro, is also examining how to enforce the measure, including the possible use of sensors or radars to detect the number of passengers in each car – a system already in use in parts of France.
However, no timeline has been set and things are very much in the analysis stage, so there is no need to panic just yet.
But alongside the two-person rule, other more radical measures are being floated, including a one-car-per-household limit and daily road charges for non-resident vehicles, particularly in island regions where over-tourism and traffic overload are longstanding issues.
In the Balearic Islands, these ideas are already moving from concept to reality. Authorities in Formentera and Ibiza are preparing to charge €1 per day for non-resident vehicles, backed by access limits and permit systems during the high season.
Mallorca is preparing to go further. Its draft plans include emissions-based fees ranging from €35 to €150 – significantly higher than charges elsewhere – aimed at discouraging high-polluting vehicles from entering key areas.
The controversial one-car-per-home plan, however, did not originate with the DGT but with the Balearic government itself. The rationale: limit daily commutes and reduce strain on the islands’ narrow road networks.
Exemptions would apply for emergencies, people with reduced mobility and full-time island residents.
At this stage, all proposals remain under discussion and no official start dates have been announced.
Read more Spain news at the Spanish Eye.
