“We don’t do this for fun, it’s a public health issue”: what changes will there be in 2025 for driving in Montpellier ?

Julie Frêche, vice-présidente de la Métropole déléguée au Transport et aux Mobilités explique la nécessite de la ZFE. Archive Midi Libre – MICHAEL ESDOURRUBAILH

Julie Frêche, vice-présidente de la Métropole déléguée au Transport et aux Mobilités explique les efforts de la Métropole pour améliorer la qualité de l’air tout en essayant de ne pas trop pénaliser les automobilistes.

The deadline for the new stage concerning the ZFE in 2025 is fast approaching…

We are part of the most polluted large urban areas in France, so action had to be taken. And above all, its implementation was mandatory.

For 2025, apart from vehicles in Crit’air 3 which will now be affected by the driving ban, and as was planned from the start, there will be no change. Other municipalities such as Nîmes or Perpignan will have to be part of the system. This will affect more cities in France.

Many people are worried about this change, some will no longer be able to use their vehicles, do you understand their dismay ?

We know how difficult the mode of transport can be to support financially. We have tried to provide as much clarity as possible so that everyone can organize themselves.

Since the calendar was voted, it has not changed. We sent the documentation to each resident to inform them at the time.

Mobility is a competence of the Metropolis. This is why we have stepped up all the projects that contribute to the decarbonization of mobility: tram line 5, tram’bus, cycle paths, free transport…

Between 300 and 400 people die prematurely because of the air they breathe in our region

Does this ZFE seem essential to you??

According to the figures, just in the territory of the Metropolis, between 300 and 400 people die prematurely because of the air they breathe.

And this is mainly due to car traffic: 78% of nitrogen dioxide emissions, 58% of greenhouse gases and 30% of fine particles are the direct consequence of road traffic.

Not to mention that this pollution represents a cost of 180 million euros for the city of Montpellier in terms of management of care, treatments for health..

An invisible evil

Is it a real issue ?

The reason we decide to act on air quality is because there is a public health and environmental health issue. We don't do this for fun. It's an invisible evil.

But this can lead to injustices from a financial point of view ?

We worked together with all the professionals to determine all the exceptions with them. We had to find the right balance between the objective of improving air quality and the objective of not penalizing economic activity.

And then we tried to find solutions for those who didn't use their cars too much. Because those who pollute the most are the people who take their cars morning and evening, not the grandparents who pick up the children from activities on Wednesdays or the people who go shopping from time to time…

We try to offer alternatives, but it's not always easy for everyone.

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