Constitutional Council Upholds Lyon’s Low Emission Zone, Rejecting Proposed Repeal
Lyon, May 21, 2026 – The Constitutional Council has upheld the existence of Low Emission Zones (ZFEs) in France, including Lyon, by censuring a proposed repeal of these environmental measures. The decision, announced on Thursday, May 21, 2026, means that the most polluting vehicles will continue to be prohibited within Lyon’s ZFE perimeter. Ecologists have welcomed the ruling.
The Constitutional Council rejected the proposed repeal of low emission zones and an easing of rules concerning soil artificialization. The Council deemed these measures, which were introduced into a ‘simplification’ bill, to be ‘legislative riders’ – provisions without sufficient connection to the original text of the bill.
The Council, which was seized with the bill by Socialists, Ecologists, and even some government camp deputies who wished to preserve ecological markers from the first Macron five-year term, censored 25 out of 84 articles, or just under a third of the text, either fully or partially.
Lyon’s ZFE Remains Active
The ZFE, which is currently active in Lyon, was under threat of definitive suppression. The Constitutional Council’s decision has therefore saved it for the time being. Ecologist elected officials from the City and the Métropole of Lyon expressed their satisfaction on social networks.
The perimeter of the Lyon Métropole’s ZFE prohibits the circulation of Crit’Air 3 vehicles or above (with some exceptions) and includes:
- The communes of Lyon
- Sectors of Caluire-et-Cuire, Villeurbanne, Bron, and Vénissieux located within the ring road
- The M6 and M7 roadways
- The North Lyon ring road (BPNL)
- The Laurent Bonnevay ring road
The preservation of the ZFE underscores the ongoing commitment to improving air quality and promoting sustainable urban development in Lyon. The ruling is expected to reinforce existing environmental policies and potentially pave the way for further measures aimed at reducing pollution in urban areas.
Local authorities and environmental groups have long advocated for the continuation and strengthening of ZFEs, citing their positive impact on public health and the environment. The Constitutional Council’s decision is seen as a significant victory for these efforts, ensuring that environmental protection remains a priority in legislative processes.
The implementation of ZFEs has been a contentious issue in France, with debates often revolving around their economic impact on businesses and residents. However, proponents argue that the long-term benefits for public health and environmental sustainability outweigh these concerns. The Constitutional Council’s ruling provides a clear legal basis for the continued operation of these zones.
Further details regarding the implications of this decision for future legislative initiatives are expected to emerge as the government and various political factions react to the Council’s judgment. For now, Lyon’s ZFE stands firm, a testament to the legal and political complexities surrounding environmental policy in France.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/la-zfe-sauvee-a-lyon-les-voitures-les-plus-polluantes-restent-interdites-dans-ce-perimetre_64298997.html
