From the second half of 2024, all cities with more than 150,000 inhabitants will have to set up a low emission zone (ZFE). This system should limit or prohibit access to certain areas for the most polluting cars. In Alsace, Strasbourg and its surroundings, the ZFE is already topical. Thirty-three municipalities in the Eurometropolis have been affected since January 1, 2022.
Emmanuel Rivière is the head of the climate agency in Strasbourg. With a team of five people, he has been supporting the inhabitants since the establishment of these zones. “We have hundreds of calls from people who call us every week. They all want support with the aids to change mobility.”
A lack of communication around EPZs
Only Crit’Air 5 cars, the highest level, are currently banned from low emission zones. Crit’Air 4 cars will be banned by 2024. This method will continue gradually until 2028 with the ban on Crit’Air 2 vehicles. Today, traffic exemptions exist as well as local financial aid for support transitions.
Pia Imbs is the president of the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg understands the reluctance of users in the face of these ZFEs: “It is an unpopular policy, because it affects the behavior of people. We must therefore succeed in the acceptability of this policy.”
New step today for the #EPZthe low emission zone of the Eurometropolis of @strasbourg : we explain to you what changes ️
➡️ pic.twitter.com/HW0WL3AFeS— France Bleu Alsace (@bleualsace) January 1, 2023
There is no uniformity in settlement policy and local support. Nor is there enough communication at the national level to pass the pill explains Pia Imbs: “We feel alone because the State must help us communicate what an EPZ is, remember that these zones are enshrined in law. We must also remember that this law responds to a public health problem.”
Another black spot, there is no national control system at this time. Controls throughout France could be put in place in 2024.