Enhancing public acceptability of Low Emission Zones: The role of accompanying measures

The effectiveness of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in improving air quality and public health has been widely demonstrated. However, their implementation may encounter acceptability challenges, which can lead public authorities to scale back their ambition or even suspend implementation. Indeed, LEZs raise social justice concerns related to the distribution of health benefits across the population and may exacerbate mobility-related vulnerabilities. Accompanying measures are therefore required to address these challenges and to promote the implementation of effective and equitable LEZs that are better accepted by the public. Nevertheless, tensions may arise between accompanying measures designed to address social equity and the environmental effectiveness of LEZs. Based on a survey conducted prior to the implementation of the LEZ in Grenoble (France), we analyze the relationship between LEZ acceptability and support for accompanying policies, whether aimed at strengthening environmental effectiveness or addressing social justice concerns. Using clustering methodology, we identify six profiles: three groups supportive of the LEZ (Enthusiasts, Not concerned, and Anti-Exemptions) and three groups opposed to it (Detractors, Not Convinced, and Potential Allies). Regarding accompanying policies, these profiles reveal a central policy challenge: improving communication about the potential effectiveness of LEZs, while addressing the social justice concerns of Potential Allies and taking into account the environmental effectiveness concerns expressed by the Anti-Exemptions group. Regardless of the accompanying policies proposed, the Enthusiasts appear committed to the cause of LEZs, whereas the Detractors remain largely resistant to persuasion.