Shropshire Star

Third of drivers travelling abroad unaware of French pollution control scheme

New emissions regulations can ban certain vehicles from built-up areas in some cases

Published

A third of motorists planning a trip to France this year are unaware of pollution control schemes that could potentially ban certain vehicles from entering built-up areas, new data has revealed.

In addition, nearly half of those driving abroad before the end of 2017 did not realise that motoring offences committed abroad could affect them back in the UK, according to data from the RAC.

The survey took into account the responses from 1,993 people.

Lille, a city within 90 minutes’ drive of Calais, has recently introduced an emergency emissions control ‘Crit’Air’ scheme in its city centre – as have 11 other districts. The move requires all vehicles – including those from the UK – to display a sticker denoting how polluting their vehicle is based on its Euro emissions category.

Different colours differentiate vehicles, with the cleanest cars displaying a green sticker and the most-polluting a grey version.

Rod Dennis, RAC European breakdown spokesman, said: “The Crit’Air scheme is one of the ways the French government is trying to clean up the air in its towns and cities, with some having unlawfully high levels of air pollution.

“Only time will tell how effective it is, but for UK motorists travelling across the Channel it’s important to know the scheme is expanding and that the threat of a fine up to €135 (about £123) looms for anyone caught out by it.”

A stickers costs around £4.40, and can be obtained through an application via the official French government website. A scan or photo of the car’s registration form will be needed, and the vehicle’s Euro emissions category will also need to be checked.

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