Paris authorities are contemplating a proposal to raise parking fees for heavy cars, with a specific focus on making the city less attractive for larger SUVs. The citizens of the French capital are set to vote on this proposition in February 2024.
The proposed parking fee adjustments aim to address challenges in distinguishing between SUVs and other vehicle models. Instead, fees will be calculated based on vehicle weight, with higher charges planned for cars featuring combustion engines weighing over 1.6 tons and electric cars exceeding two tons. The determination of weight will involve scanning license plates linked to the model and weight.
Deputy Mayor David Belliard stated, “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.” Belliard and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, both Green politicians, have been actively increasing pressure on car drivers in the city by progressively raising parking fees, implementing diesel vehicle bans, and expanding the cycle path network.
The proposal follows the city council’s recent decision to ban electric rental scooters from Paris streets, a move also determined by a citizen vote earlier this year.
