The latest study from Cetelem’s Observatory on Spanish mobility habits indicates that nearly half of the population, specifically 45.5%, resides or frequently travels to low-emission zones (LEZ) with access restrictions for highly polluting vehicles.
Among age groups, those aged between 25 and 29 years are most affected by LEZ policies, with a notable 58% of respondents mentioning such areas, surpassing the overall average by 12 percentage points. This demographic also shows a preference for bicycles as their primary mode of transport over cars.
The survey reveals that 46.3% of Spanish individuals are considering abandoning private vehicle use for commuting to work due to various factors including urban sustainability and environmental concerns. Notably, people aged between 45 and 49 years are the most inclined towards this shift, with a mention rate of 54%, which is 8 percentage points higher than the average.
When it comes to alternative transportation methods, public transport stands out as the preferred option for those considering reducing their car usage, followed by bicycles (26.2%) and walking (14.4%). The younger demographic between 25-29 years prefers cycling more significantly compared to other age groups.
The environmental label has become a crucial factor in vehicle purchasing decisions among Spanish consumers. A significant majority of 78.2% of respondents planning to buy a car within the next twelve months are clear about their desired environmental label, indicating that this criterion influences their choice of model.
Age plays a pivotal role in determining whether individuals opt for new or used vehicles. New cars attract more interest with 69.6% preference compared to second-hand options at 30.4%. Among age groups, those aged between 45 and 49 years are most likely to buy a new car (77.4%), followed closely by the 35-44 year-olds.
