Toulouse: to continue circular in the Low Emission Zone, aid to change vehicles
Toulouse Métropole has strengthened its aid system for the purchase of a less polluting vehicle, as part of the implementation of the Low Emissions Zone. Companies are particularly targeted.
How to massively convert the approximately 47,000 motorists (1) who present a vehicle with a Crit’Air 3, 4 or 5 sticker and who, by 2024, could no longer drive circulars in the Low Emission Zone? Toulouse Métropole recently reinforced its aid system, put in place at the end of 2020, in an attempt to “reboost” a demand which for the moment remains quite confidential, especially among professionals.
Since the scheme was introduced, the bonuses have provided 2,247 households. This figure includes premiums for changing vehicles, buying an electric bike or renovating heating in particular. 89% of beneficiaries said they were encouraged by the existence of bonuses for their purchase. These beneficiaries spent a total of more than €8 million, for €1.5 million in premiums paid, ie a leverage effect of €5 invested for €1 paid by the Métropole. A total of 4,422 applications were filed, 3,657 were processed and 2,247 were accepted.
2,247 beneficiaries, but only 5% of requesting companies
The bonuses indirectly benefit 475 companies, mainly in metropolitan and regional areas. Problem, professionals represent barely 5% of applicants for the bonus.
The metropolis has therefore decided to remove the obligation to part with a polluting vehicle to obtain aid, considered too restrictive for certain companies. Aid of 40% of the amount excluding tax of the new vehicle is therefore now available, without scrapping a polluting vehicle.
Low emission zone: who is concerned?
To give everyone the opportunity to adapt, the Low Emission Zone (ZFE) will apply gradually. Since March 1, professionals who use the most polluting trucks, vans and vans, with a Crit’air 5 or unclassified sticker, can no longer drive in the ZFE. This area includes the city of Toulouse, inside the ring road, the west ring road and part of Colomiers and Tournefeuille. On September 1, the restrictions will apply to heavy goods vehicles and commercial vehicles certified Crit’air 4; then to private individuals and users of motorized two-wheelers equipped with 4, 5 and unclassified vignettes, from January 1, 2023. In 2024, vehicles with a Crit’air 0, 1 and 2 vignette could circulate in within the ZFE-m, except for derogations in force.
Are these first enough? This is not the opinion of Jacques, a Toulouse man looking for a job, who wants to become a VTC driver, and buy a clean vehicle. A few months ago, he consulted the aid of the Metropolis for the purchase of an electric vehicle. “I set up a simulation, and my situation reimburses me the right to €5,000 in aid. But when it came to concluding, I was told that I had to buy the vehicle first, and then they would give me the help. As an unemployed person, what should I do? My bank refused me a loan to buy an electric vehicle, so it could not be done”. Finally, Jacques acquired a diesel vehicle, recent, but more polluting than a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Up to €5,000 for individuals, €10,000 for professionals
In the Metropolis, it is emphasized that aid can go up to 5,000 euros for individuals and 10,000 euros for professionals. To benefit from it, users must go to the city’s website, under the ZFE section. This aid can be combined with that of the region and the State, which notably offer a loan at zero interest. An individual can, for example, finance a second-hand vehicle for 10,000 euros. The month of January 2021, more than 1 million euros in bonuses were awarded, found the Metropolis, and 75% of the beneficiaries are among the most modest taxpayers.
(1) according to Toulouse Métropole’s estimate. The Ministry of Ecological Transition advances the figure of 500,000, but on the scale of the greater region.