There has recently been some good news for travellers in Strasbourg. The President of the Eurometropolis has decided to suspend all fines in connection with the ZFE zone, citing the improvement in air quality as the reason. Pia Imbs explained: "There will be no further fines for the low emission zone. The air quality has improved. Despite this decision, the low emission zone will remain in place for educational reasons.
Nitrogen dioxide levels in the Strasbourg environmental zone have fallen below the limit of 40 micrograms per cubic metre, which is the legal limit for establishing an environmental zone. As a result of this reduction in pollution, the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg is no longer classified as an environmental zone, a fact recognised by President Pia Imbs, who intends to continue her policy in this area.
Pia Imbs wants to continue to sensitise and encourage citizens to switch to alternative vehicles or means of transport. She emphasised that this is not a redistribution of funds, as the city has allocated 50 million euros for this policy. Furthermore, the end of the low emission zone may only be temporary.
While the decision to suspend fines in the ZFE zone is a welcome relief for travellers and residents, there is a possibility that fines will be reintroduced in the future if air pollution limits are tightened. As the European recommendations are transposed into French law, it is expected that air pollution limits will be tightened, which could lead to stricter measures in the ZFE zone. The limit value is to be reduced from the current 40 to 20 micrograms per cubic metre. The exact date is not yet known.