the essential
Since their gradual introduction in many metropolises, low-emission zones (ZFEs) have changed the daily lives of many motorists. Crossed testimonies.
Michèle, 60 years old: “I had planned to consult a dermatologist and a surgeon at the CHU […] but I gave up”
“I am 60 years old and suffer from several disabilities,” explains Michèle, a resident of a rural area of Haute-Garonne. His health problems, including recurrent abscesses, require regular care by the dentist, a dermatologist and a hospital surgeon. But the establishment of the Toulouse ZFE has complicated access to these essential services.
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His car, a 2002 diesel model classified Crit'Air 4, is now prohibited from driving in the urban areas concerned. “I prefer to spend my budget maintaining my car, which is essential in rural areas, rather than paying fines,” she explains. Recognized with a disability rate of “50 to 79%”, she cannot benefit from a parking card for disabled people, making her travel even more difficult.
Faced with this situation, Michèle had to give up certain treatments. “I had planned to consult a dermatologist, a surgeon at the university hospital, and to go to dental school, but I gave up,” she says, disappointed. “It’s crazy because my car is in good condition, regularly checked, well insured and complies with the highway code.”
Blaise, 21 years old: “We impose constraints without offering real alternatives”
Blaise, 21, lives in Seine-Saint-Denis and works in the Paris region. He uses a car classified as Crit'Air 3, which is now prohibited from driving on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. as part of the expansion of restrictions. “For my professional journeys, I often go from one department to another. By car, it takes me an hour. By public transport, it is two to three times longer,” he says.
This forced reorganization also impacts his personal activities. His days of rest being Monday and Tuesday, Blaise must now do his shopping on the weekend, “at the same time as everyone else”. He points out a system that he considers arbitrary: “If my vehicle had been registered two months later, I could have continued driving, even though it is exactly the same car.”
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Blaise supports the idea of a classification based on the actual emissions of vehicles, a proposal already mentioned by certain elected officials. “Today, we impose constraints without offering real alternatives, especially for those who cannot afford to change cars,” he concludes with frustration.
Philippe, 65 years old: “The models are still too expensive, even second-hand”
In Tournefeuille, near Toulouse, Philippe, a 65-year-old retiree, chose to comply with the new rules. Owner of a 15-year-old diesel car, he invested in a 100% electric Dacia Spring. “I benefited from the conversion bonus and local aid, which allowed me to rent this car for 140 euros per month for three years,” he explains.
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If this solution seems to suit him, he recognizes that current aid is not accessible to everyone. “Without these bonuses, I would not have been able to afford an electric car. The models are still too expensive for many, even second-hand.”
Although he is satisfied with his new vehicle, he has limitations. The range of 220 km is adapted to its local needs, but insufficient for longer journeys. He also questions the lifespan of batteries and the overall ecological relevance of these vehicles. “For the moment, it’s a good solution for me, but I understand that others have difficulty following, especially without sufficient financial aid,” he adds.
