Overview

• Low-emission zones (ZFEs) targeting older, high-polluting vehicles have been active in over 40 French cities since January 2025, following a 2008 EU air-quality directive.
• A recent Ifop poll indicates that 80% of French citizens favor abolishing the ZFEs, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the policy.
• Critics argue that the reduction of state-funded vehicle conversion bonuses from €1.5 billion in 2024 to €700 million in 2025 disproportionately impacts low-income households.
• Proponents emphasize the public health benefits, noting that air pollution causes 40,000 premature deaths annually and exacerbates socioeconomic health disparities.
• The French Parliament is set to debate potential reforms or repeal of ZFEs, with concerns over social equity and the risk of losing EU environmental funding at the forefront.