Greater Paris Implements New Exemptions for Polluting Vehicles
Starting January 1, 2025, the Greater Paris Metropolis will enforce a ban on Crit'Air 3 vehicles, which include older diesel and gasoline cars, from operating in the Low Emission Zone (ZFE) during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, the metropolis has introduced new exemptions allowing these vehicles to operate freely for up to 24 days a year, in addition to weekends, totaling 139 days of permissible driving. This decision affects over 420,000 vehicles and comes amid criticism of the government's withdrawal from supporting the ZFE initiative.
The Crit'Air 3 vehicles, which are diesel cars registered before 2011 and gasoline vehicles registered before 2006, will also be exempt from inspection for one year. This educational phase aims to help motorists adjust to the new regulations, as announced by Patrick Ollier, the president of the Métropole du Grand Paris (MGP). The ZFE currently encompasses 77 out of 131 municipalities in the Greater Paris area, which is defined by the A86 motorway.
Exemptions and Criticism of Government Support
In addition to the 24-day exemption, 22 socio-professional categories will be allowed to circulate freely within the ZFE. These include street vendors, removal services, and emergency vehicles. However, the lack of automated controls, which are expected to be implemented by the State only in 2026, has raised concerns among local officials. Critics argue that without proper enforcement, the ZFE may become ineffective.
The decision to reduce conversion aid for vehicle replacements has also drawn ire from local leaders, who argue that this move disproportionately affects low-income households. The aid for purchasing new vehicles will drop significantly, from €22,000 to €10,000, which has been labeled as 'anti-social' by environmental advocates. Local officials are urging the government to reconsider its stance, emphasizing that over 90% of the previous aid benefited the most vulnerable populations. The ZFE initiative is part of a broader effort to combat air pollution, which is responsible for thousands of premature deaths annually in the region.
