A low emissions zone makes it possible to improve air quality and its implementation responds to a need to protect public health. The impacts of air pollution on health are known: asthma, lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, etc. In France, it is estimated that nearly 40,000 premature deaths are attributable to fine particles and 7,000 to nitrogen oxides. Thus, regulatory values are established and must not be exceeded.
The principle of a low emissions zone (ZFE)
This is an area where the circulation of the most polluting vehicles is restricted. The low emissions zone is set up by local authorities and a preliminary regulatory study must take stock of the environmental situation and assess the expected reduction in pollutant emissions. The system is based on the Crit'air sticker system. Some communities provide local exemptions, such as in Greater Nancy, where classic vehicles will not be affected by the low-emission zone.
To travel in a ZFE, the Crit'Air sticker is mandatory. It is granted based on the vehicle's pollutant emissions and takes into account the category: light, utility, heavy-duty, as well as their engine. To find out the classification of your vehicle, a simulator has been created.
The ZFE implemented from January 1, 2025 in the Greater Nancy Metropolis
The start will be gradual in the twenty municipalities of the Metropolis. The low emissions zone will initially concern Crit'Air 5 or unclassified professional vehicles. These are trucks over 18 years old and utility vehicles over 24 years old in diesel or 27 in petrol. This represents approximately 1% of the park.
From 2028, personal vehicles will be affected, always Crit'Air 5 or unclassified. This concerns diesel vehicles over 27 years old and gasoline vehicles over 31 years old. This corresponds to around 8% of the private car fleet.
The measure now applies to all communities with more than 150,000 inhabitants in France but also in Europe. The ZFE is one of the levers for improving air quality. The Greater Nancy Metropolis also acts on pedestrianization, the bicycle policy and the public transport network.
A general public consultation until October 2
The Greater Nancy Metropolis has set up a general public consultation until October 2. The first returns are fairly standard with requests for exemptions for collector vehicles in particular. The main questions relate to the derogation measures, particularly for emergency vehicles. The objective of this consultation is to have feedback and questions, if a particular case could have escaped the Greater Nancy Metropolis, in order to possibly change the regulations accordingly.
Help for professionals and individuals
The consultation also makes it possible to become aware of this measure and the way in which it will be applied. This also allows us to highlight the range of aid that will be activated. A support component is planned with mobility advice. The advisors will be able to receive the people concerned and take care of setting up the files to obtain assistance in a personalized manner. There is aid from the State, the Region and the Metropolis. The advisor will also be able to carry out a mobility diagnosis to assess all the possibilities: electric vehicle, public transport, bicycle, etc. Extended financial aid for conversion will also be offered.
Measures that may vary from metropolis to metropolis
Support is also offered in Nancy for vehicles classified Crit'Air 4 with access to mobility advisors and conversion assistance, even if the vehicle is not prohibited from circulation in the ZFE. Low-emission zones are becoming widespread throughout France and the measures are different depending on the urban area, some places may therefore prohibit Crit'Air 4. The goal for the Greater Nancy Metropolis is to support people as closely as possible and to make make vehicle conversion smart.
