France ramps up local air pollution restrictions

Seven new low-emission areas created in France, taking the total number of zones to 10

Connexion journalist
Published Modified

Stronger air pollution measures are to be enforced in seven areas of France in 2021, it has been announced.

The new low-emission mobility zones (ZFE-m) established in metropolitan areas where pollution levels regularly exceed air quality limits have been introduced after the government was fined €10million over air pollution standards.

The new zones, from which the most-polluting vehicles are regularly banned, are:

  • Aix-Marseille-Provence;
  • Montpellier-Mediterranean;
  • Nice-Côte d'Azur;
  • Rouen-Normandy;
  • Strasbourg;
  • Toulon-Provence-Mediterranean;
  • Toulouse.

Zones are already in place in Lyon, Grenoble and Paris. In the capital, Crit'air badges determine whether vehicles can enter these zones. HGVs and coaches with sticker 5 or not classified are not allowed to enter the area, between 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

Restrictions in Paris will be tightened in the decade ahead to achieve the goal of 100% clean vehicles by 2030 in the capital.

According to Santé publique France, air pollution is responsible for 48,000 premature deaths in France every year.

practical motoring environment air pollution pollution

motoring environment air pollution pollution