France Crit'air / low emissions zones

[Greenbeanie88]

We've got a Euro 4 diesel (we are due to get rid of after our trip to France).

However, I'm looking and can't work out if we are allowed to drive through Rouen.

We've applied for our sticker and have downloaded the app to check zones and there are two for Rouen - one says we're okay to drive in and the other says we're not (and it's a map of the same area) ZFE (not allowed to drive) ZPA (are allowed to drive)

Can anyone explain the difference between the two zones / codes - ZFE / ZPA

Thanks

Rouen is confusing. But I think if you're just driving through it doesn't matter - we did 2 weeks ago with a Critair 3 and nothing happened!

My take on it:

ZFE's (Zone à Faibles Émissions) are permanent....and driving through does generally matter. Also in some cities (one up the road from me) there's a nasty gotcha where parts of the ring road can be in the ZFE, other parts not....

Whether you'll get sanctioned, on UK plates, post the event, is a ? Also there's still some forgiveness for the newer ZFE's where at worse you might get a written warning..

ZFAs (Zones de Protection de L'Air) can be put in place temporarily if conditions demand it...

English language guide here:

https://www.green-zones.eu/en/blog-news/zfe-zpa-and-zpad-french-low-emission-zones-explained

To add: that piece is from 2021 and whilst it describes the system well I've just noticed some of the dates it quotes are now a bit in error.

There's been lots of local politics going on, especially with regard to diesel vehicles so some of the restrictions, such as the ban on Crit'air 3 from start of 2024 that was due for many cities has been delayed.