In support of its flash mission on low-emission zones (ZFE), the Senate’s Committee on Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development conducted an internet consultation from April 17 to May 14, 2023 in order to collect the testimony citizens concerned, 42% of whom had a Vignette Crit’air 3, 4, 5 or unclassified vehicle.
Low emission zone (ZFE): the French divided
The responses reflect a very low acceptability of EPZs for both individuals and professionals who took part in the consultation: 86% of individuals and 79% of professionals thus indicated that they were opposed to their deployment. Respondents expressed a clearly negative feeling about the implementation of EPZs, reporting strong concern about the social consequences of the mechanism. Some clearly mention a risk of widening social inequalities. However, for some respondents, EPZs are an essential lever for improving air quality.
17% of French people in ZFEs ready to change car
The results of the online consultation identified several correlations relating to the acceptability of EPZs. With regard to the individuals who responded, three criteria appear to be particularly decisive: place of residence (8% of respondents residing in a rural municipality said they were in favor of the system, compared to 23% of those residing in the city center of mainland France); the fact of having satisfactory alternative solutions to the use of the private vehicle (only 16% of individuals who took part in the consultation believe that they have satisfactory alternative solutions); and finally the socio-professional category (executives and students were more favorable at 25% and 28%).
In April, a CSA poll had established that 51% of French people were in favor of ZFEs, a drop of 6 points compared to 2022 and that 17% of French people in ZFEs “would intend to buy a compatible vehicle”.