Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-02 13:02:41
Residents of Paris could soon face significantly higher parking fees for larger vehicles such as SUVs, as a referendum to triple the cost for these vehicles is scheduled to take place. This initiative has been proposed by Mayor Anne Hidalgo and aims to address the higher pollution and increased risks posed by these vehicles to pedestrians. The move aligns with the city’s broader efforts to prioritize sustainability and reduce car usage in the urban center.
Hidalgo has been vocal in her criticism of SUVs, stating that their size and weight contribute to higher levels of pollution. Environmental group WWF has also expressed concerns, highlighting the increased fuel consumption and elevated production costs associated with SUVs. The mayor’s plan targets non-Parisians’ internal combustion or hybrid vehicles weighing over 1.6 tonnes and electrics weighing over two tonnes, which would be charged 18 euros to park in the city center for an hour, falling to 12 euros further out. However, certain groups including city residents, taxi drivers, tradespeople, health workers, and the disabled would be exempt from the increased fees.
The proposal has drawn criticism from drivers’ groups and opposition figures, who argue that the classification of “SUV” is vague and imprecise. They assert that the plan fails to accurately differentiate between different types of vehicles, potentially impacting family-sized coupes and estate cars as well. Members of the centrist MoDem party have also raised concerns about the potential impact on pollution, suggesting that a distinction should be made between internal combustion and hybrid or electric vehicles.
Moreover, there are concerns about the wide range of exemptions included in the plan, leaving a significant portion of SUVs unaffected by the higher parking fees. This has led to predictions of potential backlash from motorists, with warnings that the city government may be pushing its initiatives too aggressively, ultimately resulting in negative consequences for residents.
Paris’s focus on reducing the presence of SUVs has gained attention in other parts of France as well, with the Green party mayor in Lyon also planning to implement a similar parking fee structure from June onwards. It is clear that the debate and deliberation surrounding this referendum have implications not only in Paris but also in other urban centers in France.
In the context of recent referendums, the issue of low turnout has been raised, indicating that there may be challenges in encouraging active participation from Parisians. The April 2023 vote on banning rental scooters only drew a turnout of seven percent, raising questions about the level of engagement in and commitment to these types of initiatives.
Ultimately, the potential for higher parking fees for SUVs has sparked a heated debate and generated diverse opinions. While proponents argue that the move is necessary to address environmental concerns and reduce pollution, critics highlight the lack of clarity in targeting specific vehicle types and the potential impact on residents. The outcome of the referendum will undoubtedly shape the future of transportation and urban policies in Paris and beyond.
