France, May 22 -- The zones - known in France as ZFEs - were introduced to reduce harmful air pollution by limiting access for the dirtiest cars, vans and lorries in urban areas.

The decision preserves one of President Emmanuel Macron's flagship environmental measures at a time when the policy has become increasingly divisive, particularly among drivers who say the restrictions place too much pressure on households already struggling with rising costs.

Supporters argue the zones are an important public health measure in densely populated areas where air pollution remains a persistent problem. Political challenge

The attempt to abolish the zones came from right-wing and far-right MPs, who added amendments to a broader bill aimed at simp...