Low-emission zones (ZFEs) will take a decisive turn in 2025. Four French cities will, in fact, strengthen their anti-pollution systems. The ZFEs of Greater Paris, Grand Lyon, Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole and Grenoble Alpes Métropole will ban Crit'Air 3 stickers, corresponding to diesel cars before 2011 and gasoline cars before 2006, from circulation from 1 January.
As a reminder, ZFEs aim to reduce air pollution by imposing increased constraints on polluting vehicles. Their principle is to limit the circulation of the most polluting vehicles within a defined perimeter and according to determined time slots, by decision of the communities concerned. To circulate, each vehicle must have a Crit'Air sticker affixed to the windshield allowing it to be distinguished according to its level of atmospheric pollutant emissions.
“If we breathe the same air, we don’t all have the same salary”
In mainland France, Crit'air 3 vehicles represent 21% of the vehicle fleet, or nearly one car in five. In Île-de-France alone, they concern more than 1.12 million vehicles. For example, the Greater Paris ZFE is delimited by the A86. If all vehicles are authorized to drive on this highway which surrounds the capital, the areas between the A86 and Paris are subject to restrictions.
In the 77 municipalities concerned, the traffic ban is between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., 7 days a week, for buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles and from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., for private vehicles, light commercial vehicles or two. wheels. Gennevilliers (Hauts-de-Seine) and its 50,000 inhabitants are among the municipalities concerned.
« Our first instinct would be to oppose them because they primarily impact the working classes. The latter often have old vehicles because they generally cannot afford electric models that are very expensive to purchase. Let's not forget that although we breathe the same air, we do not all have the same salary! », Points out Patrice Leclerc, president of the Left Front group and citizens of the Greater Paris Metropolis and mayor of Gennevilliers.
“40,000 deaths caused each year by fine particles”
The elected official is nevertheless aware of the need to reduce air pollution. “ We are obviously not opposed to EPZs. We cannot turn a blind eye to the 40,000 deaths caused each year by fine particles. For us, it is a public health issue », he recalls.
In order to respond to environmental issues without penalizing the poorest, concessions were obtained from the Council of the Greater Paris Metropolis. At the beginning of December, the latter affirmed that no fine will be applied in 2025, which is described as “ educational year » for motorists.
He also agreed to extend the “ZFE 24H Pass” from 12 to 24 days, allowing motorists to travel for 139 full days each year upon simple prior registration. Twenty-two exemptions lasting 1 to 3 years, valid each year, have also been voted to facilitate the activity of professionals and economic actors who will be able to continue to drive in the metropolis.
Promote alternatives to the individual car
Alongside these exemptions, the State is offering a conversion bonus of up to 5,000 euros and an ecological bonus of 6,000 euros to encourage owners of polluting vehicles. A zero-interest loan has also been tested since 2023.
Measures deemed insufficient by Hervé Martin, president of the communist and republican group of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole and deputy to the city of Montpellier: “ The State wants to clear its conscience with the ZFEs. This is symptomatic of a class ecology in which the rich can afford a clean car while the poor are stuck at home.. However, he is It is obvious that polluting vehicles will continue to drive! Finding a less polluting used vehicle has become very complicated. Market prices have soared!»
Crit'air 3 cars represent 22% of the fleet in the Occitanie region, or around 906,000 vehicles. In order to encourage residents to change their habits, Montpellier has implemented free transport in December 2023. “ Attendance increased by 33%! », welcomes Hervé Martin. “ We have also developed cycle paths as well as assistance for the purchase of electric bikes », he adds. Despite these measures, the car still constitutes, for many French people, the only means of transport.
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