Parisians have voted to increase parking rates for SUVs in the French capital. The proposals were approved by 54.55% of voters in a referedum held Sunday 4 February.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo argued that SUVs are both dangerous and bad for the environment; and that increasing parking charges could discourage their use.
Parking charges for SUVs will now rise to $20 an hour in central Paris.
The measure was drawn up to target drivers from the suburbs who park in central Paris during the day.
There are exemptions for electric SUVs, taxis, health workers and people with disabilities.
Leo Murray, co-director of climate charity Possible, said: “It is fantastic to see the people of Paris voting to increase parking charges for large and oversized cars.”
He stated this was a “great first step in reversing the recent trend towards autobesity and reducing our overall reliance on cars in cities.”
Murray added: “This landmark referendum is the latest triumph in Paris’ ongoing mission to tackle its problems with air pollution, congestion and motor traffic dominance, and is likely to inspire cities around the world to follow suit.”
