We had to wait for a cowardly press release from Cécile Muschotti, entitled “Hubert Falco aligns himself with the proposals of the National Gathering”to get the timetable started for the implementation of the low-emissions zone (ZFE) in Toulon.
Officially set for January 1, 2023, is already in place in Nice, Marseille or Lyon with the Crit’Air sticker system, ranging from 0 to 5 depending on the level of pollution of the vehicles. But what relationship with Hubert Falco and the far-right party?
In her text, the former deputy and current city councilor of Toulon indicates that the deputies of the RN will present a law for the abolition of these areas this Wednesday.
Initially, however, the President of the Metropolis was simply in favor of postponing this deadline to 2024 or even 2025 so as not to penalize the most disadvantaged inhabitants.
On December 30, he tweeted it “discussions (were) still ongoing with the state to find a balanced solution”.
Announcements in February, deliberations in March
Recently relaunched on this subject, Prefect Evence Richard had replied as follows “Announcements should be made by the end of January”. Rather, they will be in February, with deliberations scheduled for March at the TPM.
The effective establishment of the Toulon ZFE would therefore be expected for the end of March, beginning of April. “We will be 3-4 months late”relativizes Valérie Paecht, director general of services of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée metropolis.
The priority is for the exceptions (especially for vintage cars) and above all for the delimitation of the perimeter, which will concern only an intramural part of Toulon.
“This is to impact as little as possible on people who do not have the possibility to change vehiclesrecalls Valérie Paecht. We are not here to disturb them. We are also working to help these people.”
Decades back?
This underlines that while the ZFE will help improve air quality, other measures have already started “they are 15 times more effective”.
Particular mention is made of the 126 Metropolis buses that circulate in “clean energy”on the 330 in circulation or even the imminent electrification of the platforms. “We didn’t wait for the ZFEs to turn greenshe says. We’re not that bad.”
This is not exactly the opinion of Muschotti, who aims “decades of delay in public transport”. He adds that this low-emissions zone would not show up “no problem if we coordinated trams, buses, coaches, trains, boats, bicycles and cycle paths”.
And drives the point home: “Instead, we waste a lot of time in traffic jams and endanger our environment and health!”
What to expect at the next city council, January 26, a fun atmosphere.
