Do you know the meaning of this rare French road sign?
It related to a law which proved both controversial and unpopular
The signs were mainly installed near French border crossings
Hugom 08 / WikiSara
Eagle-eyed drivers are still able to spot a rare, and now obsolete, road sign that has remained up in parts of France.
The sign – a white square with a blue border, carrying an image of a black truck and green road shaped like a leaf – was given the identification CE51 in the French Highway Code.
Despite being put up across many major roads, the sign no longer relates to any existing rules.
Part of controversial ‘ecotax’ rules
The signs related to a controversial ‘écotaxe’ that was to be levied on heavy goods vehicles.
They were placed in areas to show where this ecotax would apply, with drivers collecting ‘ecotax’ points.
Drivers would need a special pass to monitor the collection of points and when these barriers were passed.
They were mainly installed at French border crossings (entering the country) however were placed along sections of the French interior.
Read more: Do you recognise these French road signs? Their meanings have changed…
Protests against the tax were particularly strong after the law came into force in 2013, especially in Brittany, from where many trucks transporting agricultural products start.
The tax was shelved by then-Ecology Minister Ségolène Royal, with the failed scheme costing more than €1 billion.
You can read our article on the matter, originally published in 2014, below.
Read more: Truckers protests see ecotaxe axed
Be aware of Crit’Air signs
Although these ecotax signs no longer have meaning, a similar set of road signs – indicating the presence of low-emission zones – are on the increase.
In certain areas, drivers must place a Crit’Air sticker on their vehicle to show its emissions level.
In some cities vehicles above a certain level are banned at certain hours, or are prevented from entering altogether.
In theory, all areas with a population of 150,000 or more are set to introduce low-emissions zones in 2025, however the plans have faced backlash from many local authorities.
Read more: 2024 MAP: Where are France’s clean air driving zones? What are rules?
Read more: New road sign causes confusion in France. Have you seen it?
