Influence of Citizens’ Socioeconomic Characteristics on the Social Acceptance of Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in a Small European City

Abstract

This study conducts an analysis of the factors influencing social acceptance of the implementation of a Low-Emission Zone (LEZ) in Granada, a small city in southern Spain. The research is based on an online survey (532 valid responses). In addition to issues related to LEZ acceptance, the analysis also considers the respondents’ socioeconomic characteristics (sex, age, income level, political orientation, education level, occupation, and number of vehicles owned) using a Structural Equation Modelling–Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes model (SEM–MIMIC). The final SEM–MIMIC model showed an acceptable fit to the data (RMSEA = 0.054, CFI = 0.943, TLI = 0.934, and SRMR = 0.069). The main findings indicate that trust in public administration and problem perception appear to be positively associated with public acceptance of the LEZ. In turn, acceptance seems to be positively associated with both the perceived benefits of the LEZ and the acceptance of restrictive measures. Regarding the influence of socioeconomic variables on LEZ acceptance, the results suggest that individuals with a left-wing political orientation, those who do not own an internal combustion engine vehicle, and men report higher levels of acceptance. In contrast, individuals with lower incomes appear to exhibit lower levels of acceptance.