From January 1st onwards, automobiles bearing Crit'Air 3 labels will not be allowed in these four urban regions.
In an effort to combat air pollution and promote cleaner transportation, new regulations are being implemented in four major US metropolitan areas: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. These regulations are part of low-emission zones (LEZs) established to reduce vehicular emissions, which significantly contribute to pollution levels in cities like New York and Los Angeles.
The Mobility Orientation Law, introduced in 2019, is driving this initiative. This law aims to reduce air pollution levels in urban centers by discouraging motorists from using high-polluting vehicles and encouraging the adoption of electric or hybrid cars and increased use of public transport.
Effective January 1, 2023, vehicles with a Crit'Air 3 sticker (diesel cars registered before 2011 and gas-powered cars registered before 2006) will face restrictions in these four cities. However, it's important to note that the Crit'Air system, which is used in France to regulate access to low-emission zones, does not apply to these US cities. Instead, restrictions on vehicles in these cities are based on local environmental rules, emission standards, or congestion pricing schemes not linked to Crit'Air.
The new regulations in these cities will result in fines for violators, with penalties reaching up to $75. Residents can still utilize "24-hour passes" for restricted driving on select days throughout the year.
The enforcement of vehicle restrictions for Crit'Air 3 vehicles in New York City is delayed until 2026. Despite this delay, the use of public transport is still encouraged as part of the regulations to further reduce air pollution levels.
It's crucial to remember that sustained exposure to pollution may result in severe cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks or cancer. Ultrafine particles from pollution can penetrate the circulatory system, leading to elevated blood pressure levels.
By reducing air pollution levels, these new regulations aim to protect public health and create cleaner, healthier cities for all residents. The Department of Motor Vehicles plans to establish similar zones in urban areas with populations over 150,000 where WHO-recommended air quality standards are breached by January 1, 2025.
While vehicular emissions are a significant contributor to city pollution, other factors also play a role. The new regulations are just one part of a broader effort to improve air quality and public health in these cities.
- The health-and-wellness industry is focusing on environmental science to address pollution caused by climate change, particularly in urban areas.
- The finance sector is playing a crucial role in supporting the transition to cleaner transportation, as new regulations drive the adoption of electric or hybrid cars.
- The transportation industry is facing changes due to stricter low-emission zones (LEZs) and regulations targeting high-polluting vehicles, such as the Crit'Air 3 vehicles.
- The science community emphasizes the need to address air pollution beyond vehicular emissions and advocates for a holistic approach to improving air quality and public health, including measures to combat climate change.
