who will be able to drive in the Low Emission Zone (ZFE) from March 1?
The ZFE (Low Emissions Zone) in Toulouse, which will exclude the most polluting vehicles from an area, will come into force on March 1. The list of derogations has just been finalized. It raises many questions according to a Green elected official from the opposition.
It should enable 430,000 people to breathe better quality air. It is also imposed by the State on the most polluted cities. The Low Emission Zone (ZFE) will be implemented from March 1 in Toulouse with gradual application until 2024. The list of derogations was just released this Thursday, February 17.
These ZFEs aim to exclude the most polluting vehicles from traffic in the city center by 2025. Its scope has already been defined. It covers 72 km², with the hypercentre and part of the towns of Colomiers and Tournefeuille.
The western ring road is fully included as well as the road to Auch (RN124). The eastern ring road and the Arc-en-Ciel ring road are currently excluded.
But such a device is not without arousing opposition and concern. For several months, this ZFE is the subject of extensive consultation between the Metropolis, the economic actors of the territory, the local authorities but also the associative world to take into account the needs of each one.
This Thursday, February 16, Toulouse Métropole has just published the finalized list of exemptions to this ZFE.
Thus the vehicles of solidarity companies and charitable associations (Red Cross, popular relief, etc.), emergency vehicles, people holding a mobility inclusion card will be able to access this ZFE without having to change their vehicles.
This derogation also concerns certain companies, such as food producers who supply markets and shops. Ditto for all construction vehicles that it is very difficult to change quickly, they will be allowed in the EPZ. The entire construction sector can blow.
Tank trucks, camper vans, vintage cars, converted vans, vehicles used for the transport of dangerous materials also benefit from this exemption. They could circulate without risking a fine.
Occasional exceptions will also be possible. For travellers’ vehicles, for example, in the event of a prefectural decree for large passages or fairgrounds during festive events will benefit from tolerance.
From deviant for 3 years which raise many questions.
Indeed the list is long and requires clarification. “I have the feeling that these divergent views are numerous and above all they lack clarity.explains Antoine Maurice, elected in Toulouse Métropole for Europe Ecologie les Verts. For example, there is a derogation for “vehicles that cannot be replaced by their characteristics and will have to be justified with a certificate issued by the community”, concretely, what does this mean? “.
The elected green of the opposition says he is skeptical about these derogations which thought they were blurring the rules of this ZFE. Users may have struggled to see clearly.
These derogations are necessary because this transition must be supported. But they come late and lack clarity. Its implementation is complex for its users. And in the end what remains of this ZFE? The primary goal is to reduce pollution.
Antoine Maurice, elected opposition representative in Toulouse Métropole EELV
The elected opposition member is waiting for clarification on these exemptions, especially since they are in place for 3 years. Because in 2024 the rules will get tougher.
- March 1, 2022 : Crit’air 5 vehicles (vans, vans and heavy goods vehicles) which do not benefit from a derogation can no longer circulate in the ZFE
- September 1, 2022 : trucks and utility vehicles certified Crit’air 4
- January 1, 2023 : individuals and users of motorized two-wheelers equipped with vignettes 4, 5 and not classified will in turn be excluded
- 2024 : only vehicles certified Crit’air 2 and 1 and electric or hydrogen vehicles will be authorized to circulate inside the zone
According to Jean-Christian Meslet, jurist at the Automobile Club du Midi, 60% of the car fleet is over 10 years old. The Métropole thus provides aid to individuals of up to 10,000 euros depending on income to facilitate the transition to clean vehicles.
The fines incurred are €68 for light vehicles and €135 for heavy goods vehicles.