Summary Parisians to vote on place for SUVs in French capital
Parking costs would in future be based on car’s weight
Citizens’ vote to be held in February
PARIS, Nov 22 (Reuters) – Paris aims to drive large sports utility vehicles (SUVs) out of its centre by hiking parking fees for heavy cars in the French capital, and it plans a citizens’ vote on the proposal early next year.
After banning rental scooters in September in the wake of a citizen’s vote, Paris will hold a local referendum on Feb. 4 about “the place of SUVs in the capital”.
Since SUVs can be hard to distinguish from other models, City Hall wants to introduce higher parking fees for thermal engine cars weighing over 1.6 tonnes and for electric vehicles over two tonnes. To determine a car’s weight, scanners will read its license plate, which links to its model and weight.
“We need to reduce the number and the size of cars in the city, that is why we will submit to a vote the question of how much space there should be for this type of vehicle in Paris,” Deputy Mayor David Belliard, an ecologist, told Reuters.
Under Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Paris has for years raised pressure on drivers by increasing parking costs and gradually banning diesel vehicles, while boosting the bicycle lane network in the congested capital.
A SUV car drives on a street in Paris as Paris City Hall will organise a public vote on the place of SUV cars in the French capital, France, November 20, 2023. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/ File photo Acquire Licensing Rights
“(The SUV vote) is to tell all those who continue to use their private cars because they’re the richest: No! In a few years, in a few months, they won’t be welcome in Paris with this type of behaviour,” Belliard said.
He said Paris also wanted car manufacturers to stop building this type of vehicle because they were too expensive, too polluting and unsuitable for cramped city centres.
Car drivers’ association president Philippe Noziere said that if cars were heavier and bulkier than before, it is for reasons of safety and comfort.
“Manufacturers have made huge efforts with these vehicles. Of course, this has translated into extra weight,” he said.
Paris resident Henri Duret had little sympathy for SUVs.
“They are a symbol of another era …, a symbol of crushing others. Because it’s a heavier car, it consumes more fuel and therefore pollutes more. So I think it’s normal to tax them more,” he said.
Reporting by Antonia Cimini, Clotaire Achi and Louise Dalmasso; writing by Geert De Clercq; editing by Mark Heinrich
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Paris aims to drive out large SUVs by increasing parking fees
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer