Paris hikes SUV parking charges in pursuit of reduced traffic and climate benefits

Only 5.68 percent of the eligible populace participated in the referendum. However, it is binding and not really favourable for SUV drivers. Approximately 54.55 percent of the voters advocated a significant hike in parking charges for these vehicles in the city of Paris.

The newly approved regulations, backed by Parisians, imply an upturn in parking charges for vehicles weighing over 1,600 kilograms - applicable to vehicles with a combustion engine and plug-in hybrid vehicles - and electric vehicles weighing over 2,000 kilograms to £16 (equivalent to €18) in central districts. In outskirts, the charge will be £11 (equivalent to €12) per hour.

Please note that the legislation only pertains to visitors. Parisians, permanent Paris-based employees, taxi drivers, healthcare professionals and disabled individuals will be exempt from the price increase. The changes are set to come into effect from the start of September.

Anne Hidalgo, a member of the Socialist Party and concurrently the mayor of Paris, has lauded her constituents' decision. One of her objectives is to curb the extent of vehicular traffic on the city's streets for the sake of the public's health and climate safeguarding.

The augmented charges, which are forecasted to contribute around £35 million additionally per annum to the city hall's revenues, are not the sole means to target motorists. Paris also has plans in the pipeline to transform some of its roads into pedestrian zones and broaden its range of cycle routes.

Defined by their considerable dimensions and weight, SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) are vehicle models that integrate features of a passenger vehicle and off-roader. As per the city hall records, they are currently the choice of vehicle for 40 percent of the car buyers in France and pose issues related to pollution, safety and equitable allocation of public space.