in Lyon, these “Crit’Air 3” drivers do not intend to change vehicles

Since 1^is January, as in Paris, Grenoble and Montpellier, Crit'Air 3 vehicles can no longer circulate in the center of the Lyon metropolitan area, where a low emissions zone (ZFE) has been set up. A ban decided in 2021 by the State within the framework of the “climate and resilience” law which hits hard on the daily lives of many local residents: 16.6% of the private vehicle fleet registered in the metropolis is directly affected, or 112,955 vehicles. A figure which rises to 191,357 if we include neighboring intermunicipalities.

« It's odious, it's a shame »Jean-François despairs as he parks his car in the Grand Frais parking lot in Bron, a town bordering the capital of Gaul, also affected by the ZFE. Here, the Crit'Air 3 cars are easy to spot: they simply don't display any stickers. « Why buy one since you can no longer ride ? »quips Michel, who bought his vehicle « a year ago ».

“No means” to change cars

Pre-retirement cook and disabled worker, Jean-François takes the bus « when he can » to go to work from his home in Vénissieux, part of which is within the perimeter of the ZFE. « But in the evening, I finish late and it's not easy to get around by public transport. Sometimes I come home even after midnight and it can be “scary” at that time »he confides. The minivan of Florian*, a police officer, does not display any stickers either. It should be classified Crit'Air 4 and the agent explains having already received a fine in Lyon for this reason. But there is no question of him changing. « I park underground when I go to Lyon to avoid checks. I bought my car four years ago, after my divorce. I have a credit on it, so I can't afford to change it »details the peacekeeper.

Also read
ZFE: nearly 30% of Crit'Air 3 or more vehicles remain in the affected areas

Tcheka, a stay-at-home mother, came to do her shopping with her son in her Polo Crit'Air 3. Her situation is Kafkaesque. Living in the 8^e district of Lyon, in social housing, she can theoretically no longer move around in her own city. So, on this January 2, she « defied the law » to fill your fridge. « It's not our elected officials who will carry my packs of water and milk ! And I can't transport them on a tram »she snaps. The mother has no plans to change her car, purchased « almost new » more than fifteen years ago: « It's old but it only shows 100 000 kilometers on the clock. If they give me 10 000 euros, I can find a new one but otherwise I can't afford it. » « We have the impression that it is always the same people – the poorest – who take »says Florian.

“What are the young people going to ride with?”

In the metropolis of Lyon, the territorial divide linked to Crit'Air 3 is obvious. When around 8% to 10% of registered cars have this sticker in the west of the conurbation, where the wealthiest municipalities are concentrated, this figure rises to 23.2% in Vaulx-en-Velin or 23.3%. in Vénissieux, two of the poorest towns. « We understand that we must protect the environment, continues Jean-François. Besides, I have the impression that people take public transport when they can, but most of the time we have no other solution than to take the car. » He also will not change vehicles despite the ban. He has also just spent 1000 euros to replace the clutch and tires.

Tcheka will continue to drive with her Polo: « No choice, you have to do the shopping and take the children to football. » She also thinks of her daughter, who must take her license soon. « I don't know how the young people will do it. We all started with an old car. But, today, who will have the means to put 10,000 euros to be in order. What will they ride with? ? »questions the mother.

Also read
Crit'Air sticker scams: the government calls for vigilance

Automatic checks in 2026

For these motorists, contravening the ban exposes them to a fine of 68 euros. Several exemptions have, however, been put in place by the metropolis, including one for workers working staggered hours, valid until December 31, 2026. This exception concerns users of Crit'Air 3 private vehicles (cars and two-wheelers) who circulate in the ZFE and who regularly start and/or end their professional activity between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., more than 52 days a year. A “small driver” exemption has also been put in place and allows you to travel and park within the perimeter for a maximum of 52 days per year with a Crit'Air 3 or higher vehicle.

At the moment, no automatic vignette control system is operational. It should be in 2026. Also, control rests mainly on the municipalities. If Villeurbanne has decided to delay the distribution of fines for non-compliance with the ZFE, the city of Lyon has already accelerated the pace. According to Lyon Tribunethe municipality went from around a hundred fines per month at the start of 2024 (for Crit'Air 4 and above) to more than 1,500 during the summer.

* The first name has been changed