Parisians vote for rise in parking fees for SUVs
Parisians have endorsed a significant increase in parking fees for SUVs within the French capital, with 54.55% of voters supporting the proposals.
This decision triples the parking fees for vehicles weighing 1.6 tonnes or more to €18 (£16; $20) per hour in central Paris. The initiative, spearheaded by Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo, argues that SUVs pose risks and contribute to environmental degradation.
Approximately 1.3 million residents residing in central Paris were eligible to participate in the vote, but the outcome will not impact them, as street parking for local residents remains unaffected. The measure primarily targets suburban commuters who drive into the city center for the day.
However, exemptions apply to fully electric cars, taxi drivers, tradespeople, healthcare professionals, and individuals with disabilities.
Ms. Hidalgo, who has served as mayor for nearly a decade, has overseen various urban transformations, including the pedestrianization of many Parisian streets, such as the banks of the river Seine.
Additionally, an extensive network of bicycle lanes has been established as part of efforts to discourage car usage.
Environmentalists argue that SUVs consume more fuel than other cars and that their construction and use produce more harmful emissions.
Supporters of the move also note that tall vehicles are deadlier than lighter cars when they are involved in accidents.
But both drivers’ groups and opposition figures have attacked the scheme, saying the SUV classification is misleading as many family sized cars would be affected.
France’s Environment Minister Christophe Bechu, a centrist, told broadcaster RTL that the surcharge amounted to “punitive environmentalism”.
Last April Ms Hidalgo won a city referendum on banning rental e-scooters from Paris streets. However fewer that 8% of eligible residents voted.
