From Fortune Magazine:

Parisians have voted to triple parking fees for vehicles over 1.6 tonnes, hitting gas-guzzling SUVs with a $20 price tag for inner-city parking. Electric vehicles are affected only if they weigh over two tonnes. However, the decision saw a mere 5.7% turnout, with 54.6% in favor of the increased fees.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo emphasized that the measure aimed to improve air quality and encouraged democratic engagement. She stands behind her commitment to improving the livability of the city for its citizens, despite growing scrutiny of her controversial policies, such as the recent ban of e-scooters.

The decision has led to backlash from groups opposing the measure, arguing that it infringes on personal freedom under the guise of environmentalism. Other European cities, including London, are also considering similar fees for gas-powered SUVs, reflecting a growing trend of reevaluating the role of these vehicles in urban spaces.

Supporters of the measure, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and others in the European continent, emphasize the negative environmental and public safety impacts of gas-powered SUVs, despite their continued popularity among consumers.

Paris’s transport chief, David Belliard, estimates the measure could significantly add to the city’s revenue. It would affect 10% of the city’s vehicles, potentially adding €35 million to the country’s coffers. This approach provides a model for other European cities looking to address the growing popularity of gas-guzzling SUVs.



Read more: Paris votes to triple SUV parking fees—but only 5% of voters showed up