Low-emission zones and urban restrictions: the silent rise of the collection point

The Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are reshaping mobility and logistics in Spain's major cities. Since 2023, municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants are obliged to implement these areas with restrictions for polluting vehicles, and each year the regulation becomes stricter.

According to the Madrid City CouncilMadrid ZBE restricts circulation to vehicles without an environmental sticker and limits loading and unloading times in the centre. Other cities such as Barcelona, Valencia and Seville have followed suit.

At the same time, the government has announced that force local councils to fine polluting carsas set out in El País. This regulatory tightening is having a direct effect on urban logistics: more restrictions, higher costs and less flexibility for traditional home delivery.

What is happening in Spanish cities?

The progress of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) has been uneven, but widespread. Initiatives such as Madrid 360 or the ZBE Rondes de Barcelona already limit entry to vehicles without an environmental label, particularly affecting delivery fleets that have not renewed their fleet.

In addition to these measures time restrictions and exclusive loading and unloading zonesThis forces logistics operators to reorganise routes and delivery slots. In addition, penalties for non-compliance are increasingly high: as pointed out by Autopista.es200 and are already in force in most parts of the territory.

Even with some debates about its legality - several rulings have questioned the implementation procedure in some municipalities, according to Autopista.es-The trend is clear: EPZs are here to stay.

The result is an environment more complex for fleets and eCommerceThe new system has been designed to meet the needs of the urban population, with higher operating costs and an added challenge to meet delivery deadlines in busy urban areas.

Why collection points are an effective answer?

Increasing regulatory pressure has accelerated the adoption of collection points as a sustainable and scalable logistics solution.

Less traffic and bundled deliveries

The collection points allow group deliveries at a single pointThis helps to reduce the number of vehicles needing access to the city centre. This helps to reduce congestion and emissions, while improving the efficiency of the city centre. last mile.

More agility and lower failed delivery rate

By offering extended hours and accessible locations, pick-up points reduce failed delivery attempts and returns. The consumer chooses when to pick up his or her order, and eCommerce saves retry and customer service costs.

Better experience for the urban consumer

In cities where time is scarce and mobility is limited, pick-up points offer flexibility, comfort and autonomyfactors that increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Implications for eCommerce and logistics operators

Urban restrictions are forcing rethinking last mile logistics.

Route staking and operational planning

The need to avoid penalties and optimise times has led many operators to design routes that integrate alternative delivery points rather than relying exclusively on domicile.

Need for networks with real urban coverage

The eCommerce needs partners with capillary networks covering major areas 

urbanadapted to access and traffic constraints.

Integrating into the sustainable city model

Adapting logistics to the new regulatory framework not only avoids penalties, but also improves the positioning of brands in the eyes of consumers who are increasingly aware of the impact of the new regulations. environmental.

The role of the Punto Celeritas network in this new scenario

Celeritas has anticipated this change with a network of more than 96,000 collection points strategically distributed throughout Spain.

Coverage of more than 80 % of the population within 3 km

The Punto Celeritas network guarantees nationwide coverage, allowing it to reach areas where restrictions make conventional delivery difficult.

Capillary distribution even in restricted areas

Many of the Celeritas points are within the EPZs themselvesThis facilitates delivery without the need for direct vehicle access.

Frictionless user and eCommerce experience

Each point is integrated with end-to-end traceability systems, which allows for a smooth and sustainable experience for both end consumers and brands.

Find out more about our solutions for reverse logistics and sustainable returns.

Conclusion

The Low Emission Zones are a reality that redefines urban logistics. Rather than seeing them as a barrier, eCommerce and operators must see them as an opportunity to evolving towards more sustainable and efficient delivery models.

The collection points emerge as a solid and cost-effective alternative to urban constraints: they reduce costs, improve customer experience and minimise environmental impact.

At CeleritasWe promote a sustainable distribution model with our Celeritas Point Network adapted to the new urban mobility. Contact us to design a solution adapted to your eCommerce operations.

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