Spain’s traffic bosses are thinking about a new rule to cut city congestion: banning cars with just one person inside. The idea is to ease gridlock by only allowing vehicles with at least two people in busy urban areas. If it works, the rule could roll out to other regions, including holiday hotspots like the Balearics.
They’re also floating other ideas, like a one-car-per-household rule, or charging non-residents €1 a day to drive on certain roads. Ibiza and Formentera are already pushing ahead, adding charges, time limits, and even access controls to reduce summer traffic chaos.
Mallorca’s looking to go even further, with potential driving fees between €35 and €150 depending on when and where you go.
Sound extreme? Maybe. But it’s not a million miles away from what we’re seeing in the UK.
With London’s ULEZ charge already in full force, and Clean Air Zones popping up in cities like Birmingham and Manchester, drivers are already being priced out of urban travel. And as climate and congestion pressures rise, rules like Spain’s may not stay exclusive to the Med.
For younger drivers, especially those sharing cars or commuting solo, it’s a reminder: the way we use cars is changing fast, and the UK might not be far behind.
