France is to launch a pilot programme for the introduction of Low Emissions Zones. The test phase of the zones, known in French as ZAPA, will involve eight cities: Lyon, Grenoble, Clermont-Ferrand, Aix-en-Provence, St Denis, Paris, Nice and Bordeaux.
[mailchimp_signup][/mailchimp_signup]The idea is to ban the most polluting vehicles from entering certain areas. The Commission is threatening France with legal action as air quality figures for 2010 show many areas continuing to exceed EU air quality standards. The ZAPA idea is for a three-year trial, at which point the government will assess whether the zones have been successful or not. Low Emissions Zones exist in eight European countries, with the total around 160.
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Report calls on European law-makers to cap bonnet height by 2035, recommending an 85 cm limit for further study