The French parliament has passed a law that abolishes low-emission zones (ZFE) in the country which were intended to restrict the movement of the highest-polluting vehicles, particularly in cities.
The original introduction of ZFE was aimed at improving air quality, but has been controversial in France for the social and economic burden placed on lower-income households that are unable to replace older vehicles. In the transport industry, ZFE has forced companies to invest in lower-emission fleets or restructure operations. Removing ZFE could help reduce operating costs, but may also bring uncertainty about the direction of the transport sector’s transition to cleaner energy sources in the longer term.
This decision by the French parliament is out of line with the majority of countries in the European Union. The German Umweltzone system covers most major cities, Italy has expanded zones in Milan and Rome, and the Benelux countries have introduced measures restricting access for older vehicles.
IAM Member Impact: Members in France that operate trucks should enjoy reduced regulatory pressure. Previous rules have obliged transport companies to invest in lower-emission fleets, impacting costs for smaller companies.
Source: TransInfo