The Senate has given its agreement for the extension of ZFEs (Low Emission Zones) in towns with more than 150.000 inhabitants and recommends more freedoms for local authorities while advocating a later implementation, in 2030 and not 2025 A measure with “explosive” potential according to them. The next decision is up to the MPs.
It would seem that the government has become aware of the political powder keg that this measure can constitute: the right-wing majority Senate voted on June 22, during the first reading examination of the climate bill, the establishment of here 2025 of zones limiting traffic in urban areas of more than 150.000 inhabitants, but with “relaxations” in order to “give control back to communities”, according to LR rapporteur Philippe Tabarot. “The success of EPZs rests on their acceptability,” he underlined, judging that the provisions as voted by the National Assembly “seemed difficult to accept or even unrealistic for some”. MEPs will be able to come back to these changes later in the parliamentary shuttle.
Four ZFEs already exist in France (Lyon metropolis, Grenoble-Alpes-Métropole, Ville de Paris and Grand Paris). Seven new zones are being added, around Aix-Marseille, Nice, Toulon, Toulouse, Montpellier, Strasbourg and Rouen. The climate bill provides for the mandatory extension of the system to all towns with more than 150.000 inhabitants, or 35 new territories, by 2025.
In reality, the project is well and truly launched. In the 4 existing EPZs, restrictions are in place. 7 new agglomerations are currently being added and this climate bill will extend to nearly 35 territories by 2025. What will change is that the restrictive calendar will see its dates evolve. Originally, the government wanted a total ban on Crit'Air 5 vehicles for 2023, Crit'Air 4 for 2024 and Crit'Air 3 in 2025. However, senators voted against this timetable and decided to reduce this last by shifting the dates, from 2025 to 2030.
A small victory for the 40 Million Motorists association which welcomes this vote but also specifies that this in no way solves the problem, since it is just delayed in time. Called “High Exclusion Zone” by motorists and associations informed on the subject, these ZFEs, originally planned for 2025, today concern nearly 40% of vehicles in circulation.
The relaxations do not stop at the five-year postponement of the calendar. Thus, the ZFE obligation would also be subject to a population density condition, which would have the effect of restricting their perimeter to the heart of urban areas. Also, a list of exemptions is provided. Finally, the Senate voted for an amendment carried by Jean-Pierre Moga (centrist) aiming to provide that traffic restrictions within ZFEs must take into account the specific use of collector's vehicles (professional use, weddings, tourist visits, etc.).
For Pierre Chasseray, General Delegate of the 40 Million Motorists association, this is a small victory: “It is a clear message which is sent to the Assembly. With this postponement, we are already saving a lot of people. We hope to go further, in particular with exemptions for medical reasons.” He nevertheless specifies that this in no way solves the problem, since it is just shifted in time.
The bill must make its way through the Assembly, with the next step expected to take place in September.
