This is a subject that tenses many French municipalities: low emission zones (ZFE or ZFEm). In a decree published this Saturday in Official newspaper, it is stipulated that agglomerations of more than 150,000 inhabitants will not be obliged to set up these famous ZFEs. Explanations.
- What is an EPZ?
EPZs aim to gradually ban the most polluting vehicles. As of January 1, 2023, Crit’Air 5 vehicles (diesel vehicles produced before 2001) will be prohibited there. On January 1, 2024, it will be the turn of Crit’Air 4 (diesel before 2006) then Crit’Air 3 (diesel before 2011 and petrol before 2006) on January 1, 2025. ZFEs already concern 11 French cities , the first of which were Lyon, Grenoble and Paris.
- What does the new decree say?
The generalization of these areas is provided for by law in these 43 agglomerations of at least 150,000 inhabitants in metropolitan France as of December 31, 2024, but derogations were provided for and are thus formalized in a text. The obligation to establish an EPZ is waived when it is demonstrated “that the average annual concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are less than or equal to 10 μg / m3”, specifies the decree signed in particular by Prime Minister Elisabeth Thick headed.
This level corresponds to the World Health Organization (WHO) thresholds, which are more stringent than the current European limit values. “It is difficult to know which are the agglomerations which in 2025 will respect the thresholds of the WHO”, one indicates to the ministry of the ecological Transition and the cohesion of the territories.
- Who is affected by these exemptions?
Still according to the ministry, it could be “a few agglomerations”, “less than ten a priori, which should benefit from this derogation”. Agglomerations can also be exempted from the ZFE if they propose alternative measures with equivalent effect.
They must demonstrate no later than eighteen months before the deadline for the introduction obligation that the actions implemented make it possible to reach the nitrogen dioxide limit concentrations “in shorter time periods or similar to those proceeding from the establishment of a low-emissions mobility zone”, indicates the decree.
“The establishment of ZFEs will only be compulsory when it is really necessary”, we comment to the ministry. “This derogation does not dilute anything in terms of public health” because “it does not lower the level of ambition vis-à-vis air pollution”, insists this source.