In recent years, thermal machines have been hunted everywhere and blamed for everything. And in particular contribute to global warming.

EPZ is running at full speed

Thus, the municipalities of some cities take various measures to ban these cars, which are considered too polluting. This is how ZFEs (low emission zones) were born, which are based on the Crit’Air sticker to deny access to certain categories of cars. There are several of them in France, including one in Paris, Strasbourg or Lyon. And it is the last one that interests us the most today. Indeed, it is running at full speed and seems to be working particularly well, although there is a lot of verbalization. And for good reason, according to the Tribune de Lyon, in 2023, 77 major cities in Lyon were fined for not complying with the ZFE, more than double the number of the previous year. A figure that, while modest, reflects growing awareness. But what are the details behind these fines? In fact, our Lyon colleagues identified several very clear reasons for the verbalization.

ZFE is not always followed

Indeed, if we look in detail, we see that 18 drivers were sanctioned for not having a sticker on their vehicle. But the majority, 54 in total, were fined for simply putting the wrong sticker on their car. In the end, 5 motorists were fined during pollution peaks because they were not allowed to drive in the city at that time. There the metropolis of Lyon wants to go even further and is now eagerly awaiting the arrival of radars dedicated to ZFE compliance. Unfortunately for him, but fortunately for the drivers, these cabs are not expected to be operational until late 2025. Their certification and first trials are still pending, despite months of waiting. And Lyon is not the only city hoping for them: these radars are to become widespread throughout the country in the future, starting next year. Enough to convince the owners of too old cars, who risk finding themselves in difficulties with driving in the metropolis in the coming years.

It remains to be seen whether the government plans new help for motorists who cannot afford to change cars.

Read also:

• ZFE: What are the penalties for not complying with the restrictions?
• ZFE: new restrictions in some cities
• ZFE Radars: Watch out, they’re coming!