LEZs: The National Assembly buries low-emission zones, a turning point for urban mobility policy

The National Assembly buries the low-emission zones despite government opposition

On Tuesday, April 14, the National Assembly adopted the bill to "simplify economic life", including the elimination of low emission zones, against the advice of the executive.

Introduced to limit the circulation of the most polluting vehicles in large urban areas, LEZs have been one of the pillars of air quality policy since 2018.

The government had tried, unsuccessfully, to maintain the system through an amendment giving more freedom to local authorities. This amendment was rejected by the members of parliament.

A political victory for those opposed to the restrictions

The abolition of the ZFE was championed in particular by the National Rally and The Republicans, who denounced the measures as socially unjust.

According to their proponents, these zones exclude the poorest households from urban centers, as they lack the means to replace their vehicles. Some elected officials are thus hailing it as a "victory" against environmental policies deemed punitive.

Experts have highlighted a health and environmental risk

Conversely, many voices are raising concerns about the consequences of this decision. Low Emission Zones (LEZs) have proven effective in reducing polluting emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides from road traffic.

Air pollution remains responsible for more than 40,000 premature deaths per year in France, public health officials remind us, who fear a deterioration in air quality if the system is removed.

A future that remains uncertain from a legal standpoint.

The government also disputes the method, arguing that the removal of the LEZs could be deemed unconstitutional, as it has no direct link to the legislation under consideration.

Several parliamentary groups are considering referring the matter to the Constitutional Council, leaving some uncertainty about the effective entry into force of this measure.

A decision that goes against European requirements

As the European Union strengthens its air quality standards, the removal of LEZs could weaken France's ability to meet its commitments.

Local authorities, on the front line, could find themselves deprived of a central tool to reduce urban pollution, while also exposing themselves to possible sanctions.

Towards a restructuring of mobility policies

Beyond the vote, this decision reignites the debate on the balance between social justice, the acceptability of environmental policies and health imperatives.

Although low-emission zones (LEZs) seem to be weakened today, their future will now depend on upcoming legal and political decisions, in a context of increasing pressure on air quality in urban areas.