ZFE
ZFE stands for Zone à faibles émissions, a designated urban area where access is restricted for motor vehicles based on their emissions. The aim is to reduce air pollutants such as fine particles and nitrogen oxides and to encourage the transition to cleaner mobility. In France, ZFE are created by regional or prefectural authorities under national environmental and transport legislation. Access restrictions typically use the Crit’Air classification system, which assigns a color-coded sticker to each vehicle according to its emissions. Vehicles with higher emission levels are subject to tighter restrictions, with exemptions sometimes granted for residents, essential goods transport, public services, and emergency vehicles. The zones are enforced through cameras and patrols, and penalties accrue for non-compliance.
ZFE have been implemented in several French metropolitan areas and are planned in others, with the scope
Critics note that ZFE can burden low-income residents and small businesses who rely on older vehicles, and