France Votes to End Low-Emission Zones: “Ecology has Become a Sport for the Rich”

The French National Assembly has voted in favour of a proposal to scrap the country's Low Emission Zones (Zones à Faibles Émissions or ZFEs), which currently restrict access to certain city areas for older, more polluting vehicles based on their Crit’Air rating.

ZFEs were introduced in 2019 under President Emmanuel Macron’s first term and were intended to reduce air pollution in urban areas. Originally rolled out in cities like Paris, Lyon and Marseille, the scheme was on the cusp of expanding this year to cover all urban areas with more than 150,000 inhabitants.

The latest development comes as part of a wider “Simplification Bill” designed to reduce administrative burdens for individuals and businesses. But it was an amendment to this bill, proposed by far-right National Rally MP Pierre Meurin, that gained attention, calling for the complete abolition of ZFEs. The amendment passed with 275 votes in favour and 252 against, with several MPs from Macron’s own party backing the move alongside right-wing and far-right representatives.

Critics of the zones argue they disproportionately affect people on lower incomes who may not be able to afford newer or electric vehicles. Supporters, however, warn that scrapping ZFEs risks undermining France’s efforts to tackle urban pollution.

Public opposition has been growing, including from writer Alexandre Jardin, who founded the Les Gueux (“The Beggars”) movement. Jardin claims that policies like the ZFEs have become “a sport for the rich,” excluding those who rely on older vehicles for everyday life. Basically, if you can’t afford a new, ‘clean’ electric vehicle, the government will make you pay for it.

However, despite the vote, the process isn’t over. The bill now heads to a joint parliamentary committee, where seven senators and seven MPs will attempt to reconcile different versions of the text. Notably, the version previously passed by the Senate doesn’t mention ZFEs at all, meaning the amendment could still be removed before becoming law.

There’s also the possibility of the Constitutional Council stepping in to block the amendment altogether, arguing it’s unrelated to the original purpose of the bill – a so-called “legislative rider.”

UK drivers heading to France are being advised not to ditch their Crit’Air stickers just yet. RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said:

“Despite the vote by France’s National Assembly to abolish the country’s low-emission zones, it doesn’t yet mean the end of the need for Crit’Air stickers as there are still a number of political hurdles on the road ahead.”

He added that UK drivers should continue to apply for the sticker through the official French government website before entering any urban areas with a ZFE in place.

In short, the vote signals a shift in tone, but for now, the rules still stand.

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