- Torrevieja’s Low Emission Zone (ZBE) project contract is currently suspended due to a bid dispute.
- Estacionamientos y servicios, S.A.U. (EYSA) was initially awarded the €1.8 million contract with a notably low bid.
- Tecnologías Viales Aplicadas (TEVA, S.L.) contested the evaluation citing regulations on abnormally low offers.
- The contracting committee overturned the initial award and gave EYSA three days to justify its low offer.
- This project, funded by European Next Generation funds, aims to improve air quality and meet EU sustainability goals.
Torrevieja Temporarily Halts Low Emission Zone Contract Amid Offer Dispute
The city of Torrevieja in Spain has found itself at a critical juncture in implementing its new Zona de Bajas Emisiones (ZBE), or Low Emission Zone, project-a strategic move to reduce pollution and boost sustainability aligned with European Next Generation-EU funding initiatives. Just days after awarding a €1.8 million contract to Estacionamientos y Servicios, S.A.U. (EYSA), the municipal contracting committee has suspended the award following a legal challenge about the nature of the winning bid.
Background: What is the Torrevieja ZBE Project?
The ZBE project aims to substantially reduce vehicular emissions in Torrevieja by regulating traffic and introducing complementary actions to promote cleaner air. The municipality secured funding through the EU’s Next Generation program, appointing a company to execute the project within three years.
Initial Award and Controversy
- On August 28, 2025, the contracting committee proposed EYSA as the winning bidder due to its top technical and economic score.
- EYSA’s bid was €982,821.18 (approx. €1.19 million including VAT), the lowest offer, accompanied by promises to speed up timelines and improve staff training.
- However, on September 1, 2025, Tecnologías Viales Aplicadas (TEVA, S.L.) filed a formal objection over the bid evaluation process.
TEVA’s Allegation: Abnormal Offer Calculation
TEVA contended that the initial evaluation failed to correctly apply Article 85.4 of the General Public Procurement Law, which mandates that offers more than 10% below the recalculated average should be scrutinized once to check for abnormally low proposals. According to their interpretation, EYSA’s bid was 12.05% below the recalculated average, warranting a formal contradiction process.
Contracting Committee’s Response and Next Steps
- The committee agreed unanimously with TEVA’s claim and revoked the August 28 decision.
- EYSA was granted a three-day deadline to justify its low bid and prove that its proposal is feasible without compromising quality or economic sustainability.
- The contract remains suspended pending this justification, prolonging the project’s timeline.
What’s Next for the Torrevieja ZBE Project?
The sudden turn highlights the complexities municipalities face when balancing innovation,cost-efficiency,and legal procurement requirements in large-scale sustainability projects. EYSA’s documentation will be critical to moving forward, as the city remains eager to implement its plan to improve air quality and align with EU climate targets.
Key Details at a Glance
| Project | Value | Funding | Execution Timeframe | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Emission Zone (ZBE) Implementation | €1.8 million | Next Generation-EU Funds | 3 years | Pending bid justification |
Conclusion
Torrevieja’s Low Emission Zone project represents a vital possibility to meet environmental sustainability goals in line with European regulations. While the recent tender complication has stalled progress momentarily, obvious evaluation and adherence to public procurement laws ensure the project will be executed responsibly. Residents and environmental stakeholders alike await the resolution of the bidding dispute, hopeful that the city’s air quality can improve soon.
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