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Low-emission zones prohibit the circulation of the most polluting vehicles in around fifteen cities. A new rule that penalizes the poorest and threatens to fuel social anger.
Since September 1, 2022, the conditions of access to the Rouen agglomeration (Seine Maritime) have changed. The most polluting vehicles are no longer admitted. A sign now indicates the four Crit’Air vignettes authorized in the low emission zone. The vehicles diesel class 4 and 5, put on the market between 1997 and 2005, can no longer drive in the city center.
The measure is intended to reduce pollution in the city, but it is experienced as a punishment by Marion Lecocq. On his vehicle, there is no vignette. She travels aboard an old vehicle that is prohibited. She says she can’t afford to change cars. “I’m going to get fines, I imagine, but I have no other options. Public transport, they still stop here at a certain time so otherwise we don’t go out anymore”she justifies. Around Rouen, 13 municipalities have joined the low emission zone. The Mayor of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray (Seine Maritime)he has it refused, because a quarter of its inhabitants live below the poverty line. Paris will soon ban Crit’Air 3 vignettes. Intolerable for professionals who cannot change all their vehicles.