It must be true just read it on face ache
France scraps mandatory low-emission zones in major cities
‘ZFEs’ criticised for hitting those who cannot afford less-polluting vehicles hardest
France’s parliament has dropped a mandatory requirement for towns to have low-emission traffic zones, as part of a Bill “simplifying” the economy.
The Bill, which split MPs loyal to Emmanuel Macron, the French president, came after critics argued that such zones unfairly punish poorer motorists unable to change to less polluting vehicles.
Under French laws passed in 2019 and 2021, local authorities whose urban areas exceed regulatory air-quality thresholds must set up low-emission zones (ZFEs). The aim is to cut emissions of fine particles, which the authorities say are responsible for 48,000 deaths a year in France, by excluding certain old or polluting vehicles.
Some 24 towns and cities, notably Paris and Lyon, as well as Grenoble and Montpellier, have introduced these to varying degrees.
Vehicles that enter such zones must carry “Crit’Air” stickers proving their low pollution levels. Those who fail to comply risk being hit by a fine of up to €135 (£115).
All French cities with more than 150,000 residents were supposed to introduce ZFEs this year.
But a group of MPs from the National Rally and the Right – along with a few independents and MPs from Emmanuel Macron’s group – tabled a proposal to scrap the zones altogether.
Unusually, the hard-Left France Unbowed party also backed ditching ZFEs, although it opposed the Bill overall.
Shame we don't follow suite
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