Jean-Luc Lagleize, MP for the 2nd constituency of Haute-Garonne, questioned the Minister of Transport, at the National Assembly, on the forthcoming establishment of the Low Emissions Zone, in Toulouse. The most polluting vehicles will be excluded from this area, which includes almost all of the town of Toulouse and the ring road in its western part, in particular.

You have asked the Minister to specify the possibilities for adapting Low Emission Zones, according to local contexts. Why ?

In my opinion, it is absolutely necessary that this ZFE, which is imposed on the metropolises, be socially acceptable. There is no point in creating an EPZ in a rigorous way. We have seen that increased diesel taxes in 2018 and 2019, with the movement of yellow vests. A ZFE where traders can no longer travel because their vehicles are too old, where Toulouse residents cannot afford to change cars, that cannot work.

Did the minister’s response satisfy you?

No tangible elements were given. We still do not know the date of publication of the decree, which will allow its implementation. But it was even specified that adaptations were possible, in particular on the schedules.

Should Toulouse Métropole grant exemptions?

It is essential in my opinion. In Paris, the ZFE is only in effect on weekdays. It’s common sense, since car traffic drops sharply on weekends, and so does pollution. In Strasbourg, there are also possible derogations. Toulouse must be inspired by what is done elsewhere.