ZFE in Lyon: Everything you need to know about the traffic-free zone (2023)
Discover Lyon's progressive urban mobility transformation through its Low Emission Zone (ZFE). Lyon's ZFE aims to foster a greener and more sustainable city. This innovative approach restricts high-emission vehicles, reducing air pollution and prioritizing a healthier environment. Lyon implements this change in phases, ensuring a smooth transition towards sustainability. CRIT'AIR stickers are the key to navigating Lyon's ZFE, categorizing vehicles based on their emissions. By adhering to these guidelines, residents and visitors can enjoy Lyon while actively contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Author: Benoît Prieur, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. source
Air pollution is a global concern, and its impact on public health cannot be overstated. In Lyon, like many other metropolitan areas, air quality has been a major issue, with road traffic serving as a significant source of pollution. To address this problem, Lyon has implemented a Low Emission Zone (ZFE) as a strategic solution. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the ZFE in Lyon, including its objectives, deployment, and impact on the community
Introducing the Low Emission Zone (ZFE) in Lyon
To combat air pollution and improve air quality, cities across Europe have adopted the concept of Low Emission Zones (ZFE). These zones aim to restrict the circulation of the most polluting vehicles within specific areas. Lyon, being a part of this initiative, is dedicated to mitigating climate change, protecting vulnerable residents, and regaining air quality.
The Importance of Air Quality
Air pollution poses a significant threat to public health, causing an alarming number of premature deaths every year. In Lyon, road traffic contributes significantly to air pollution, particularly for nitrogen dioxide and fine particles. This pollution is associated with various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and even a link to breast cancer.
Legal Framework
The creation of ZFEs was mandated by the 2019 mobility orientation law (LOM) for metropolises where air quality standards are persistently violated. Lyon falls into this category, along with cities like Paris, Grenoble, Strasbourg, and Montpellier. To ensure a phased transition, the climate and resilience law of 2021 established a timetable for banning the most polluting vehicles based on the Crit'Air sticker classification.
Understanding the Crit'Air Sticker
The Crit'Air sticker is a key component of the ZFE system, categorizing vehicles according to their level of air pollutant emissions. Here is a breakdown of the Crit'Air classifications:
- Crit'Air 0 - 100% electric and hydrogen vehicles.
- Crit'Air 1 - Gas or plug-in hybrid vehicles, gasoline vehicles since January 1, 2011 for cars, since January 1, 2017 for motorcycles, and January 1, 2018 for mopeds.
- Crit'Air 2 - Petrol and hybrid vehicles manufactured between 2006 and 2010, diesel vehicles since January 1, 2011 for cars, between 2007 and 2016 for motorcycles, and between 2007 and 2017 for mopeds.
- Crit'Air 3 - Older petrol and hybrid vehicles, diesel vehicles manufactured between 1997 and 2005 for cars, between 2006 and 2010 for motorcycles, and between mid-2004 and 2006 for mopeds.
- Crit'Air 4 - Diesel vehicles produced between 2001 and 2005 for cars, and between mid-2000 and 2004 for motorcycles and mopeds.
- Crit'Air 5 - Diesel vehicles manufactured between 1997 and 2000.
- Unclassified - Vehicles registered before 1997 for cars and before May 31, 2000 for motorcycles and mopeds.
To drive within the ZFE, you must have a Crit'Air sticker affixed to your vehicle. The cost for this sticker is €3.72 per vehicle, including shipping. To obtain one, you can apply online through the official website or by mail. It's essential to be cautious and avoid fraudulent websites that offer overpriced stickers that are not approved.
Lyon Metropolis: An Innovative Approach
The Lyon Metropolis has taken a unique and innovative approach to implementing the ZFE. They have actively engaged residents and local economic players in building the roadmap for the project. This collaborative effort seeks to balance the health benefits of improved air quality with the necessary constraints. Lyon aims to use the ZFE as an opportunity to promote sustainable mobility solutions, such as cycling, public transport, car sharing, carpooling, and clean vehicle charging facilities.
Scope and Timetable
The ZFE in the Lyon Metropolis currently applies to several municipalities, including Lyon, Caluire-and-Cook, Villeurbanne, Bron, and Vénissieux within the Laurent Bonnevay ring road. In 2024, the ZFE will expand to include major axes like M6-M7, the North ring road, and the Laurent Bonnevay ring road.
From January 1, 2024, Crit'Air 5, 4, and unclassified vehicles will be prohibited for:
- Cars registered for the first time before December 31, 2005.
- Motorized two-wheelers registered for the first time before June 30, 2004.
These restrictions will apply 24/7, both in traffic and when parked, and failure to comply may result in fines. Initial checks will be carried out by municipal and national police forces, with automated plate-reading radars being used for enforcement.
