ZFE in Montpellier: Everything you need to know about the Restricted Traffic Zone (2023)
Montpellier, France, has introduced an Environmental Zone (ZFE) to combat pollution and enhance air quality. If you plan to visit or reside in this beautiful city, understanding the ZFE's impact on vehicle access and emissions is crucial. Find out how Montpellier is taking steps towards cleaner air and what vehicles can travel within the zone.
Author: Wolfgang Staudt from Saarbruecken, Germany, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. source
When it comes to improving air quality and reducing pollution, many cities around the world are implementing Environmental Zones (ZFE), and Montpellier, France, is no exception. The Montpellier ZFE, which came into effect on July 1, 2022, aims to create a more sustainable and healthier environment for its residents. In this blog post, we'll explore the details of the Montpellier ZFE and how it impacts both individuals and professionals.
What Is the Montpellier ZFE?
ZFE, or Zone à Faibles Émissions, is a French initiative designed to limit the circulation of vehicles with high emissions in certain urban areas. The primary goal of the Montpellier ZFE is to reduce air pollution and protect public health. This zone covers a significant part of the metropolitan area, including the municipalities of Montpellier, Castelnau-le-Lez, Clapiers, Grabels, Jacou, Juvignac, Lattes, Le Crès, Pérols, Saint-Jean-de-Védas, and Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone.
Who Is Affected?
The Montpellier ZFE impacts both professionals and individuals. This means that all types of motor vehicles are affected, including motorized two-wheelers, cars, utility vehicles, buses, trucks, and heavy goods vehicles. It's a comprehensive effort to reduce pollution and improve the quality of life for everyone in the region.
Implementation Phases
The Montpellier ZFE is being introduced in two phases, allowing for a gradual transition to cleaner transportation:
Phase 1 (July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2026): This phase initially includes the municipalities listed above, gradually imposing restrictions on vehicles based on their emissions.
Phase 2 (Starting July 1, 2026): After the first phase, the ZFE will expand to cover all 31 municipalities in the metropolis.
Which Vehicles Can Travel in the ZFE? Traffic restrictions in the Montpellier ZFE are in effect 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Starting January 1, 2023, the second phase of restrictions will apply. Here's a breakdown of the restrictions:
For Individuals: Only gasoline cars registered before December 31, 1996, and diesel cars registered before December 31, 2000, are affected by the driving ban in 2023.
For Motorcyclists: The ban on unclassified motorized two-wheelers (registered before June 2000) is postponed until January 1, 2024.
Professionals and Individuals: During an educational period lasting from January 1 to December 31, no fines will be issued. Control of the Environmental Protection Zones (EPZs) is a state responsibility.
In case of non-compliance with traffic restrictions, fines may range from €68 for light vehicles to €135 for heavy goods vehicles, buses, or coaches.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
The implementation of the Montpellier ZFE is gradual and does not require everyone to buy an electric vehicle. However, if you're in the market for a new or used vehicle, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
Electric cars are already cost-effective compared to traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles. Several studies have shown that electric vehicles offer lower overall ownership costs, considering factors such as purchase price, energy, insurance, and maintenance.
If you prefer a gasoline vehicle, a Crit'Air 1 gasoline car registered from 2011 or a Crit'Air 2 gasoline car registered from 2006 may still be allowed to travel in the ZFE after 2028, subject to national and local regulations.
Exemptions
The Montpellier ZFE provides permanent and local exemptions to certain vehicles. These exemptions include:
- Vehicles displaying a "mobility inclusion" card with the words "Parking for disabled people."
- Vehicles of general interest.
- Low-emission public transport vehicles.
- Public transport vehicles providing regular services for 3 to 5 years.
- Ministry of Defense vehicles.
- Local exemptions can be requested from the Metropolis, provided you meet specific criteria.
Why Act Now?
Air pollution poses serious health risks and costs. It's estimated that fine particle exposure contributes to approximately 40,000 deaths annually in France. The direct and indirect cost of pollution for the city of Montpellier is estimated at 180 million euros. By implementing the Montpellier ZFE, the region is taking a crucial step toward reducing pollution and protecting public health.
