French Lawmakers Approve Proposal to Abolish Low-Emission Zones

The National Assembly will debate the controversial measure, which the government opposes, citing ZFE's success in reducing urban air pollution.

A parliamentary commission voted on March 26, 2025, to eliminate France's low-emission zones (ZFE), which were introduced in 2019 to combat air pollution and improve public health.
The government opposes the repeal, emphasizing that ZFE reduced nitrogen dioxide levels by over a third in cities like Paris and Lyon.
Critics of ZFE argue the policy disproportionately impacts low-income households, forcing costly vehicle upgrades or limiting mobility.
Currently covering 43 cities, ZFE policies include financial incentives like subsidies and bonuses to help households transition to cleaner vehicles.
The National Assembly will now deliberate on the proposal, with environmental advocates pushing for reforms to ZFE rather than its removal.