The French Parliament has passed a law allowing environmentally friendly cars destined for scrap under a conversion bonus scheme to be rented at a reduced cost to those in need. The National Assembly unanimously voted in favor of the bill, with no changes made to the Senate version, highlighting the importance of reusing vehicles that are still in good condition but would otherwise be sent to the junkyard. This measure aims to support solidarity garages that provide mobility for those who cannot afford it, particularly in rural and isolated areas.
The bill was supported by Minister of Transport Patrice Vergriete, who emphasized the need to provide social support for the successful transition to environmental sustainability, taking into account the specific needs and challenges faced by low-income individuals. The legislation allows local authorities, through mobility organizing authorities, to acquire eligible vehicles under the conversion bonus scheme and offer them for rental to socially disadvantaged individuals through partnerships with organizations such as solidarity garages.
The vehicles that can be reused under this scheme include gasoline cars classified as “Crit’Air 3” or higher, which will be made available through associations dedicated to public service or general interest, such as solidarity garages. The conversion bonus scheme encourages individuals, based on income criteria, to trade in an old vehicle for a more environmentally friendly one. However, this has led to a decrease in the availability of vehicles for solidarity garages, impacting their ability to provide affordable mobility solutions to those in need.
While the bill received broad support in the Parliament, there were some dissenting voices, such as Modem MP Bruno Millienne, who questioned the intent of reusing potentially polluting vehicles that were previously targeted for removal. He suggested that recovered vehicles should undergo mandatory modifications to enable them to run on cleaner fuels, but this proposal was not adopted. The focus remains on providing access to affordable transportation options for vulnerable populations while promoting environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
Overall, the legislation aims to address the challenges faced by solidarity garages and individuals with limited mobility options, particularly in underserved communities. By repurposing vehicles that would otherwise be scrapped, the law seeks to promote the reuse of resources, reduce waste, and support those in need of affordable transportation solutions. The enactment of this bill underscores the government’s commitment to both environmental protection and social equity, recognizing the importance of ensuring that all citizens have access to essential services and opportunities for economic and social mobility.
