Through a press release, the Catholic Family Associations (AFC) welcomed the adoption in a special committee of two amendments, identical in their aim, seeking to eliminate Low Emission Zones (ZFE). These amendments have been integrated into the economic life simplification bill and must be confirmed by a vote in a public session of the National Assembly, then adopted in identical terms by the Senate.
An unjust measure primarily impacting modest families
For several years, the AFC has denounced the profoundly unjust and unequal consequences of ZFEs. These automobile exclusion zones, already applied in many urban areas, prohibit or restrict the circulation of nearly 11 million vehicles, representing 29% of the French automobile fleet. If nothing is done, this percentage could reach 65% by 2028.
It is the most modest families, and particularly large families, who are the first to be sacrificed: they neither have the means to acquire recent vehicles, nor access to adequate public transportation, especially in rural or suburban areas. Yet, the car remains for these families an indispensable instrument for daily life: getting to work, accessing healthcare, maintaining family ties, accompanying children...
Nearly half of the vehicles belonging to the most modest households are classified Crit’Air 3 or higher. Although still perfectly functional, these vehicles become unusable due to these technocratic regulations. This situation amounts to devaluing the little property these families possess, while hindering their freedom of movement.
An ineffective policy regarding environmental objectives
Without denying the necessity to combat air pollution, the AFC emphasizes that ZFEs are neither just nor effective. Indeed, automobile traffic represents only 15% of fine particulate emissions, a proportion lower than that of the industrial sector or residential heating. This disproportion between the sacrifices imposed and the expected results demonstrates the ineffectiveness of this measure.
The AFC therefore calls for a more balanced ecological transition, one that does not sacrifice the most vulnerable on the altar of an idealism disconnected from reality. Respect for the dignity of families, their freedom of movement, and their concrete needs must guide public policies, in a spirit of social justice and subsidiarity, in accordance with the constant teaching of the Church.
Faithful to their mission since 1905
For over a century, the Catholic Family Associations have carried the voice of French families, rooted in the social thought of the Church, which recognizes the family as the basic cell of society. In 2023, they brought together 51,000 member families across the entire country, within a structured network of 280 local associations.
Actors for the common good, the AFC act with public decision-makers, offer concrete services to families (education, consumption, health...), and are involved in numerous national and European bodies, particularly through the FAFCE (Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe).
In a world where families are often forgotten, the AFC remains a clear, firm voice faithful to the Gospel, to remind us that any truly human policy must be at the service of the family unit, and not crush it under the weight of unjust and ineffective regulations.