Change of plan. Strongly criticized since the launch of the Crit’air vignettes followed by the low-emissions zone system, the government is once again faced with criticism. It must be said that the EPZs generate a storm of dissatisfaction, in particular because of vague and misunderstood communication by the French, whether they are motorists or political leaders. Starting with the Senate report, published in mid-June, which contains 25 measures aimed at strengthening the social acceptability and harmonization of EPZs, apparently in vain so far.

But it is not finished. Christophe Béchu, Minister for the Ecological Transition, indicates that it is after having received a second report that he will decide “if there is reason and there is reason to make sure to propose changes in relation to these ZFEs” . These changes could in particular be incorporated into the 2024 finance bill. However, the government has decided to implement immediately, following an interministerial council on air quality in the city, an evolution the definition of EPZs.

To calm things down, the government has decided to review its copy. Admittedly, an evolution already mentioned at the beginning of the year, but the State has just presented a new system to make things clearer (or not). Alongside the ZFEs, there will now be “territories of vigilance”. These will divide the ZFEs into two categories: “effective ZFE territories” which regularly exceed European regulatory air quality thresholds. “Due to the improvement in air quality, the agglomerations concerned are constantly decreasing, year after year: they are now five in number (Paris, Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Rouen, Strasbourg)” , explains the government. These agglomerations will have to ban Crit’Air 5 vehicles on January 1, 2023, Crit’Air 4 vehicles on January 1, 2024 and Crit’Air 3 vehicles on January 1, 2025.

It goes badly anyway. A feeling of resignation from the device is displayed, according to Tony Renucci, director general of the Respire association: “Factually, the government applies the law. But it is a political renunciation. The quality of the air is improving , but it remains bad. We are well above the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), “he laments for Capital. Once again, the government will try, from September, to bring some clarity to this vague program.