ZTL in Strasbourg: Everything you need to know about the traffic-free zone (2023)
Strasbourg, a city known for its charm and rich history, is taking a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future. The Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) in Strasbourg is at the forefront of the city's urban transformation
Author: Bichot from Paris, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons. source
Strasbourg, a city known for its stunning architecture and picturesque streets, is taking bold steps toward a greener and more sustainable future. One of these initiatives is the establishment of a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) in the charming area of Rue des Jews, des Frères, and Place Saint Etienne. Initially introduced as a summer experiment in 2022, this ZTL's resounding success in calming traffic and enhancing the quality of life has led to its reimplementation, set to commence on July 8, 2023. This blog post will provide you with insights into how Strasbourg's ZTL works, its rules of operation, authorized users, and the pivotal role of the Crit’Air sticker, ensuring you can make the most of your time in this beautiful city while contributing to a cleaner future.
ZTL Regulations and Operations in Strasbourg
The ZTL, situated in the heart of Strasbourg, comes into effect from 11:00 a.m., but it's important to note that residents and other authorized individuals enjoy 24-hour accessibility.
- Traffic and parking are permitted from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- From 11:00 a.m., traffic is restricted, allowing only specific users and vehicles.
Authorized Users
The ZTL welcomes a range of authorized users, including:
- Bicycles and pedestrians, embracing eco-friendly modes of transportation.
- Law enforcement, rescue, or emergency vehicles, ensuring safety is a priority.
- Taxis, VTC (transport with a driver), and health professionals, facilitating essential services.
- Vehicles that already possess an authorization to travel on pedestrian areas of the Grande IIe. Holders of access badges will receive specific authorization via email, eliminating the need for additional steps.
- Residents can access the ZTL by requesting it through the official Strasbourg.eu website. Each resident can register up to two vehicles for this privilege, allowing convenient access to private garages near their homes.
- Professionals, individuals accompanying people with reduced mobility, and customers of tourist accommodations can request one-off exemptions for ZTL access via email.
- Parking in the ZTL
For those authorized to access the ZTL, on-street parking remains available and is payable from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., except for resident subscriptions. In addition, Strasbourg has introduced "purple" parking zones to complement the system, providing options for short-term stops within the ZTL area.
Pollution Peaks
Strasbourg has implemented differentiated traffic rules since late 2017, covering all 33 villages and towns within the Eurometropolis. On days when pollution peaks are anticipated, specific vehicles displaying "Crit’Air" certificates 1, 2, or 3 are permitted to circulate. It's essential to ensure you possess this certificate before arriving in Strasbourg to avoid any inconveniences.
Steps to Obtain Authorization in Strasbourg
To access and circulate within the restricted traffic zone, residents and authorized individuals must make a request through the official Strasbourg.eu website.. The rollout schedule for the ZTL is as follows:
- January 1, 2022 – Educational phase for Crit’Air 5.
- January 1, 2023 – Prohibition of Crit’Air 5 and educational phase for Crit’Air 4.
- January 1, 2024 – Prohibition of Crit’Air 4 and educational phase for Crit’Air 3.
- January 1, 2025 – Prohibition of Crit’Air 3 and educational phase for Crit’Air 2.
- January 1, 2028 – Prohibition of Crit’Air 2. During the educational phases, vehicles may be checked, but no penalties will be imposed, allowing for a smoother transition.
Stay Informed
To stay informed about pollution peak alerts and register for timely updates on the city's environmental efforts, it's advisable to visit the Strasbourg.eu website. These alerts can help you plan your visits and navigate the city efficiently during peak pollution periods.
Strasbourg's Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) is not just a traffic management scheme; it's a significant step toward creating a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment. Embrace this initiative to explore the city's beauty while contributing to a greener and healthier future for Strasbourg and its residents.
