The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has taken a major initiative by announcing a vote on February 4, inviting Parisians to have their say on the presence of SUVs in the city. This citizens' vote echoes the recent one concerning self-service scooters , and is part of a wider context of reflection on urban mobility and the environment.
Anne Hidalgo's message was clear:"More or fewer SUVs in Paris? This question sums up what's at stake in the vote. According to her, the capital's inhabitants are increasingly concerned by the large, polluting cars that occupy a substantial amount of space on the streets, sidewalks and even bicycle paths. The mayor stresses the importance of curbing this phenomenon, in particular by limiting the presence of SUVs and 4x4s.
More or fewer SUVs in Paris?
- Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) November 14, 2023
This is the question I'm asking you for this second citizens' vote.
On February 4, it's up to you to decide. ⤵ pic.twitter.com/G1r7jGlgeO
It should be noted that this vote does not aim to ban SUVs from Paris altogether. Rather, the central idea is tosignificantly increase parking rates for these bulky vehicles. This is an approach already considered by other cities, such as Lyon, which plans to implement a similar measure in 2024.
Anne Hidalgo also hopes to send a strong message to car manufacturers. She criticizes the tendency to produce ever larger, more expensive and more polluting vehicles, and stresses the need to rethink mobility choices in an urban context.
Road safety is also a strong argument for the mayor. She points to the increased danger posed by SUVs to pedestrians and cyclists, citing alarming statistics on the risk of fatal collisions.
However, it remains unclear exactly what criteria will define which vehicles will be subject to this tariff increase. The mayor has not specified the exact dimensions or weight above which vehicles will be penalized, leaving room for interpretation.
This vote is a key moment for the French capital. It symbolizes a desire to transform the city into a space that is more respectful of the environment, safer for its inhabitants, and better adapted to the challenges of the 21st century. Parisians are therefore called upon to play an active role in this decision, which will change the way the capital is regulated.
SUV parking in Paris: Parisians vote on a special rate this Sunday
In 2023, the Paris Council unanimously voted in favor of an unprecedented regulation adjusting parking rates according to car models. This Sunday, February 4, 2024, a new vote is calling on Parisians to create a special parking rate for these vehicles, a measure designed to discourage their use in the French capital and reduce the city's carbon footprint. The fate of SUV owners will be sealed very soon. How much will the increase be? [Read more]
SUV parking in Paris: Parisians vote on a special rate this Sunday
