Parisians approve tripling of parking fees for SUV off-road vehicles. Society

Parisians decided this Sunday, by a narrow margin and in a consultation with little participation, to limit the entry into the city of SUV vehicles, a model similar to an all-terrain vehicle whose sales have skyrocketed in recent years Is. The victory of Yes, once it is confirmed by the municipal parliament, means that, for these cars, parking fees will triple.

But there will be exceptions to the rule. This will apply to foreigners. Paris residents will be able to continue parking at the normal price in the areas assigned to them in their district of residence.

Paris is a capital that is seen as a model for other cities in green policies such as building bike lanes and reducing car space. By pushing for the vote, Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo wanted to reduce pollution, improve safety, and gain public space for pedestrians and non-polluting modes of transportation.

“Polling showed that Parisians were at the forefront of a movement that, if confirmed tonight, would be followed by many cities around the world,” Hidalgo said. “It’s a matter of pride.”

This is the second popular consultation in less than a year after the ban on scooter rentals was approved last April. To decide on the SUV, 5.7% of voters went to the polls and 54.55% voted in favor.

The margin of victory – much smaller than in the consultation on scooters, which was 89% – and the low participation – then it was 7.5% – could open an avenue for criticism. There is growing debate over Hidalgo’s succession in 2026, just months before the city hosts the Olympic Games.

On the most central streets, between districts 1 and 11, parking an SUV for an hour will cost 6 euros to 18 euros (in districts 12 to 20, 4 euros to 12 euros). Anyone who comes from abroad for tourism or professional reasons will have to pay 225 euros for six hours at the centre. The measure applies to fossil fuel vehicles or rechargeable hybrids weighing more than 1.5 tonnes and electric vehicles weighing more than 2 tonnes.

Parisians had to answer the question: “For or against the creation of a specific fee for the parking of heavy, cumbersome, polluting personal cars?”

“It’s a truism,” Pierre Chassère, spokesman for the union of 40 million motorists, complained on France Info. “They ask Parisians if they agree to give more money to those living outside the (ring road).” How can they not vote yes!”

Before the polls closed, at 7:00 p.m., a dozen people were in line at Cardinal Ammett School in the 15th District. “The issue is poorly defined,” said Jean, 38, who owns a hybrid SUV. “If we had talked more specifically about polluting vehicles, it would have been different. And what is a dangerous car? Isn’t this a truck?” Referring to the measure, Jean concluded: “It’s silly.”

Hughes, 37, arrived on a bicycle, dismounted and announced: “I’m for SUVs and I’m against leftists and environmentalists who know nothing about ecology. “I’m all for hunting, fishing and big cars.” He explained that the bike is used for short trips, but he needs his SUV to get to work. Hughes concluded, “I pay a lot of taxes so Mrs. Hidalgo can go to Tahiti.”

The Parisian was referring to the controversy surrounding the mayor’s last official visit to New Caledonia and French Polynesia. The mayor took the opportunity to visit his daughter, who lives in the area, for a few days. He paid for the family trip and return to Paris out of his own pocket, but the secrecy surrounding the trip sparked criticism.

At Cardinal Ammett School, not everyone was against it. “This is the first step in the right direction,” said Maxim, 30. “The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of motor vehicles in Paris, whether they be SUVs or otherwise.”