Paris goes to war against SUVs: Parisians will have to vote

The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, announced Tuesday that the French capital will hold a public “vote” on February 4 to consider the possibility of introducing higher parking fees for SUVs and 4x4s.

In a video shared on social media, the socialist mayor invited Parisians to vote on a “very significant increase” in non-residential parking fees for these vehicles, which are increasingly common on the roads.

Paris follows the Lyon model

The aim of this proposal for higher pricing is to promote “better sharing of public space, for the benefit of gentle travel modes, schools, and pedestrians” according to a press release from Paris town hall.

Anne Hidalgo wants to follow the example of Grégory Doucet, the environmentalist mayor of Lyon, where pricing that penalizes heavier and polluting vehicles will be implemented from 2024.

More or fewer SUVs in Paris?

Here is the question I am asking you for this second citizen vote.

Next February 4, it’s up to you. pic.twitter.com/G1r7jGlgEO

— Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) November 14, 2023

The vote, which will be open to all Parisians registered on the electoral lists, constitutes the second public “vote” organized by the city, after the ban on self-service scooters resulting from the vote last April. Despite a relatively low participation of 7.46% of registered voters, 89% of voters opposed these devices.

Which models will really be affected?

Paris City Hall notes that, although the role of individual cars has decreased over the last ten years thanks to a proactive policy, the size and average weight of vehicles have continued to increase.

With this “vote”, Anne Hidalgo aims to curb this trend by putting a stop to car manufacturers who promote the purchase of ever larger, expensive vehicles that consume raw materials and pollute.

Although the specific amount of the pricing has not been disclosed, the mayor mentioned a “very significant increase”. Similarly, the specific weight that an SUV must reach to be considered “heavy” has not been specified. It is also unclear whether only thermal models will be affected, or if this will also include hybrids and electric vehicles.

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