Paris – France: The French Constitutional Council has reinstated the system of low-emission zones across various French cities, after ruling unconstitutional the article that abolished this measure within the “Economic Simplification” law, leading to the re-enforcement of 43 zones dedicated to reducing pollution inside major cities.
A Parliamentary Repeal Annulled Judicially and Deemed an “Atypical Legislative Rider”
The Constitutional Council decided that the article passed by Parliament to abolish the emission zones was not directly linked to the subject of the original law, considering it an “atypical legislative rider” (cavalier législatif), which violates the established constitutional rules in French legislation. Accordingly, the article was struck down, and the legal framework governing the operation of low-emission zones (ZFE) in the country was reactivated.
Return of Traffic Restrictions in Major Cities and Improving Air Quality
Under the ruling, major French cities regain the restrictions imposed on the movement of the most polluting vehicles within their urban centers, as part of a policy aimed at improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions. These zones had been established under the 2021 Climate and Resilience Law, which mandates gradual restrictions on older cars within high-pollution cities.
Escalating Political and Societal Debate Surrounding Environmental Policies and Costs
The ruling comes amid a broad political debate inside France regarding the future of environmental policies and their social and economic costs, with some MPs and municipalities opposing these measures, citing their impact on low-income groups. Conversely, the government and environmental institutions emphasize that these restrictions are necessary to combat pollution and improve public health, particularly in the most densely populated urban areas.
