France's intentions toward scrapping Low Emission Zones remain unclear.

In recent times, environmental policies across Europe have been met with growing opposition, particularly those perceived as favouring the elite over the working class. This trend is posing a significant threat to the progress towards sustainability goals.

One such policy, the Zones Franches d'Exclusion (ZFE) system in France, has been a subject of intense debate. The system, first introduced in Paris in 2016, aimed to reduce air pollution by restricting high-polluting vehicles in urban centres. However, its inconsistent implementation and flawed communication have led to confusion and a lack of public trust.

The ZFE system was expanded to include 25 cities by a new law passed in 2021, mandating ZFEs in all metropolitan areas with over 150,000 inhabitants by the end of 2024. Despite this expansion, the system has faced wide resistance, with concerns about its impact on poorer citizens and economic growth.

The system, based on the Crit'Air vignette, banned certain vehicles from the city centre on weekdays. Small businesses relying on older delivery vans have faced operational challenges due to the ZFE system. Replacing a Crit'Air 3 vehicle with one compliant with ZFE requirements could cost thousands of euros, and government subsidies like 'social leasing' were often insufficient and quickly exhausted.

The value of Crit'Air 3, 4, and 5 vehicles in the used car market has plummeted due to the ZFE scheme. The re-admittance of high-polluting vehicles in former ZFEs may reverse air quality gains, increase health risks, and potentially lead to EU sanctions for failing to meet air quality standards.

The Rassemblement National (RN) and La France Insoumise (LFI) parties have criticised the ZFE scheme as "écologie punitive" ('punitive environmentalism'). A government counterproposal to limit ZFEs to Paris and Lyon was rejected. The abolition of ZFEs was included in the simplification law and was approved by deputies from RN, LFI, and some members of President Macron's party.

However, the abolition of ZFEs in its present form seems unlikely to survive, but it's unclear when it will eventually be abolished. Milan's hybrid system, combining a ban of high-polluting vehicles in one zone with a congestion charge on most vehicles in another, could be a potential alternative.

It's crucial to note that air pollution, particularly from nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) emissions by traffic, was linked to about 40,000 premature deaths per year in France. The ZFE system was seen as a key environmental policy measure, helping to reduce air pollution and encourage a shift towards cleaner vehicles.

As Europe navigates the complexities of balancing environmental concerns with economic and social issues, the fate of the ZFE system in France serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. A regional patchwork of regulations may result from some cities, like Bordeaux and Strasbourg, maintaining air quality measures using local, alternative tools. The evolution of these policies will undoubtedly shape the future of sustainability efforts across the continent.