Its implementation in the metropolis of Rouen generated a lot of concerns and questions
: how to make low emission zones (ZFE) are not perceived as punitive, while they aim to improve air quality in large cities? “We need to set up support in order to avoid any feeling of eviction or exclusion, because 40% of the French population will be gradually affected by the establishment of these EPZs”warns this Monday Gerard Leseul.
“Urban centers concentrate medical services and cultural activities”
The PS deputy from Seine-Maritime presented, on October 12, the parliamentary report he wrote on the subject with the Modem deputy from Yvelines, Bruno Millienne. Indeed, if the exclusion of the most polluting vehicles already applies in cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon or Rouen, in 2025, 45 cities will have their low emission zone. Another observation: according to an Insee survey published in 2019, 38% of the poorest households have a vehicle classified Crit’Air 4 or 5 (10% among the richest households).
“The risk is that, gradually, people will feel excluded because they will have to change vehicles or change practices”, continues Gérard Leseul, guest this Monday from France Bleu Normandie. There are the inhabitants of the areas concerned, but also all the French people who do not live in the ZFEs but who have to go there, “because, for years, urban centers have finally concentrated all medical services, cultural activities, etc.”notes the MP.
A logbook allowing two round trips per month
First thing to do according to the MP: increase aid for the most modest and to ensure that they benefit all those who need them. Because if the Metropolis of Rouen or the Department of Seine-Maritime offers aies to change vehicles, this is not the case for example of the department of Eure, while Eurois also go to the ZFE. “As a result, within the same living area, you have inequalities”believes Gérard Leseul, for whom it is up to the State to intervene and consult with the territories.
The PS deputy from Seine-Maritime also recommends the creation of a “use book” which would allow vehicles with a Crit’Air 4 or 5 sticker, twice a month, to exceptionally go to a ZFE to go to the hospital, restaurant or cinema. “Because in the end, even a slightly polluting vehicle, when it only comes twice a month, emits far fewer particles than a less polluting vehicle every day”concludes Gérard Leseul.