Low emission zone in Toulouse: “Pollution is a public health issue”
From tomorrow, the most polluting vehicles will be excluded from the city. François Chollet, vice-president of Toulouse Métropole talks about this green revolution.
Has the implementation of the Low Emission Zone been sufficiently prepared, while the supply of public transport will not experience any profound changes by 2024?
In fact, we have been working on it for 4 years. In 2018, we launched a partnership with the State, the metropolis and Atmo Occitanie to model and define the perimeter of the ZFE. We also acted in consultation with all the economic players and associations to share and explain the issues. Because pollution is a public health problem. More than 3,000 people were interviewed and these discussions helped us progress on the solutions to be provided. As for the supply of public transport, it has evolved considerably. Tisséo has already extended several Linéo bus lines and doubled the capacity of certain lines by connecting with the tram network. This year, with the commissioning of the Téléo cable car, transversal line 25 will connect Paul Sabatier University to Oncopole, Basso-Cambo and finally Colomiers, and Linéo buses 10 and 11 will connect the La Vache metro station. in Fenouillet and the Basso-Cambo station in Frouzins. I would add that we have also worked on the supply of public bicycles taken over by Tisséo, which will develop the fleet, including electric ones, in the Toulouse suburbs and all the municipalities of the metropolis.
On the number of vehicles impacted from 2024, the figures are very contradictory, what is it exactly and what does the notion of rolling stock cover?
The vehicle fleet corresponds to the number of vehicles driving in the metropolis at the time of peak traffic between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. According to our estimates, in 2024, with the Crit’Air 3 ban, 16% of these vehicles will be affected, i.e. around 47,000 cars. The figure of 500,000 vehicles put forward by the Ministry of Ecological Transition should be considered on the scale of the greater region. On this date, it should be specified that the order prohibiting circulation of vehicles classified 3, 4 and 5, according to Crit’Air, will be taken for 10 years, but it will be modifiable according to the evolution of the situation. It is also worth pointing out that the eastern part of the ring road is not affected by the low emission zone, unlike the western part, from Sesquières to the penetrating road towards Muret, a section where pollution has a much greater impact on local residents.
Associations are asking for a real plan for public transport, in particular with a Toulouse-style RER that would connect the metro, tram, bus and train… what do you think?
We are very clear. The rail network has its place as a complement to Tisséo. Interconnection with regional trains already existed with Muret and Portet. Another example is the interchange at Colomiers station and the railway line between Les Arènes and Colomiers, which complements the Linéo 2 buses. There is still a lot to do, of course, but we are very attentive, we are adapting. We will be there with the third metro line, five stations of which will be directly connected to the rail network: Matabiau, La Vache, Labège-la Cadène, Montaudran and Colomiers. It is also in this capacity that the Occitanie region has joined in the financing of the third line of the metro.
What are the support measures put in place by the metropolis?
We are developing assistance for individuals as well as businesses. In particular for the replacement of your vehicle, whether new or used, and for retrofitting, i.e. changing the internal combustion engine to a hybrid or an electric one. This aid can go up to 5,000 euros for individuals and 10,000 euros for professionals. We have also set up assistance for bicycles, again new or used, which can go up to 600 and 1,000 euros. To benefit from it, users must go to the city’s website under the ZFE section. It is important to say that this aid can be combined with that of the region and the State, which notably offer a zero-rate loan. An individual can, for example, finance a second-hand vehicle for 10,000 euros. Since January 2021, more than 1 million euros in bonuses have been awarded by Toulouse Métropole and 75% of the beneficiaries are among the most modest taxpayers.
Isn’t the debate on free public transport becoming topical again?
Today, we know that it is not the tariff that dissuades users from using public transport, the car is moreover more expensive for a household. What matters is the improvement in travel time. Even free, a bus line that is not adapted to demand does not work. Free is therefore not the solution. Even if devices exist. 355,000 people, young and old, benefit from solidarity pricing and 11 million annual trips are free. But for Tisséo, ticketing represents 100 million in revenue per year, a sum that cannot be stopped.
Exclusion zone: progressive device
From tomorrow, March 1, diesel vehicles, vans and heavy goods vehicles over 25 years old (Crit’air 5) will no longer be able to drive in the Low Emission Zone (ZFE) limited to the contours of the ring road, except to the west. where the area is extended to the rainbow ring road and the penetrating towards Muret. An area where residents are most exposed to pollution. The bans will then be progressive. Next September, Crit’Air 4 vehicles will follow, then in January 2024, Crit’Air 3 vehicles. To monitor the proper application of the ZFE, automated camera checks will be implemented during 2023. € for a car, and €135 for a heavy goods vehicle, in the event of an offence. The price of more breathable air.