In terms of voluntary payment, one notable example is that of sacks of rubble rising from 12% in the first months of the application of the Pla Endreça to reach 46% so far in 2025.

Over 25,000 fines relating to coexistence and the use of public space were given out during the first quarter of 2025. Of these, 66% correspond to the three most common types: consumption of alcohol in public space, the use of bicycles and personal mobility vehicles and parking motorcycles on pavements. In contrast, the volume of fines for noise or taking care of physiological needs in the street remained stable.

Improvements in the fine procedure

The percentage of voluntary payments for fines is the indicator that helps calibrate their effectiveness, reflecting their dissuasive character when there is little or no reoffending. The goal of fines is not to generate revenue, but to prevent anti-social behaviour and strengthen coexistence in public space.

Besides voluntary payments, the City Council applies all legal available mechanisms for payments to be made, such as seizure from bank accounts, income or assets, which can push up the overall payment percentage by a further 8%. To reinforce this procedure, various improvements have been made such as the automation of postcodes for notifications and collaboration with the Catalan Tax Agency to execute monthly seizures outside of Barcelona.

One of the most notable changes is the extension of externalised services for notifying and taking payment of fines from abroad, which also now includes infringements linked to public space and coexistence, not just traffic offences.