The ZFEs are no longer popular, deputies offer to suspend them for 5 years

Around thirty MPs want the suspension of low emission zones for 5 years. They denounce inequalities causing a “socially unacceptable” situation.

To fight against air pollution, the government has set up what are called ZFEs, for low emission zones. In short, it involves prohibiting access to certain areas of a city, generally its center, to vehicles that pollute too much. Understand: the oldest ones. A measure received rather coldly by the population and which continues to be debated while new ZFE are due to see the light of day in 2025.

But despite the law, several cities have decided not to apply it. While the text sets deadlines, it does not in fact establish a binding framework. For 35 deputies, this is clearly an opportunity to go further. They have proposed a law whose goal is simple: to slow down the establishment of low-emission zones. The planned halt would be total since it would involve suspending the ZFE for 5 years.

Deputies want to suspend low-emission zones for at least 5 years

They denounce a situation that is “socially unacceptable. A part of the population risks, in fact, having the feeling of being accused of a “crime of poverty”: too poor to have the right car that gives the right to drive!” Another problem noted: the lack of information on the conditions under which certain vehicles are or are not authorized in the ZFE.

“No institution has taken the trouble, for example, to explain to owners of vehicles that have successfully passed the technical inspection – which today includes numerous anti-pollution checkpoints – why they would no longer be authorized to circulate in the ZFE“, deplore the deputies.

To argue their request, they rely in particular on reports showing that the quality air quality has generally improved, well before the implementation of the ZFE. Adding that the phenomenon will naturally be reinforced thanks to the transition from thermal to 100% electric. Let us recall that a system of automatic fines for cars that do not respect the ZFE is planned for 2026.

Source: Le Point