Mobility and air pollution
In the interest of economic development, local and national authorities in France are finding themselves confronted with the need to adopt public policies designed to encourage mobility and improve access to job opportunities and public services. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly important to reduce motor vehicle traffic, this being one of the main causes of environmental damage, pollution and health problems. Public policy decisions relating to transport are evolving; the previous key issue of the right to mobility is gradually giving way to more complex goals pertaining to sustainable development. Achieving the difficult balance between economic, social and environmental objectives brings to the fore the question of environmental imbalances. This became a critical issue when it was decided to implement Low Emission Zones (ZAPA) in major urban areas in France. We carried out a field study on the community of Seine-Saint-Denis to better understand the different impacts a ZAPA can have on a local population.