The arrival of SUVs has had a lasting impact on the automotive industry. These cars have transformed the perception of the automobile and its role in everyday life, to the point that in many cases they are perceived as more than just a means of transportation. For many drivers, SUVs embody a perfect fusion between versatility, active lifestyle and perceived safety.
The fusion of off-road and conventional touring features in SUVs has made them the most popular vehicles on the market today. They cover almost all the segments in which cars are classified and although they are designed to operate off the asphalt, their qualities make it an appropriate car in urban and suburban environments.
The latter is what has led to SUVs being subject to a certain demonization in large cities. Despite their suitability for driving in urban environments, the perception that these vehicles are larger, consume more fuel and take up more parking space has generated criticism in terms of sustainability and road congestion.
In Paris, the mayor, Anne Hidalgo, has called a referendum for citizens to vote on the proposal to increase parking rates for large SUVs and jeeps in the capital. The consultation will be held on February 4 and is understood as a first step to stop the presence of these vehicles on the streets of the first French city.
"Many of you draw my attention because there are increasingly larger, more polluting vehicles that occupy our streets, sidewalks and bike lanes," Anne Hidalgo said online to justify her new referendum. The proposal of the mayor of Paris involves voting on the possibility of “significantly” increasing the parking rates for these vehicles, regardless of their propulsion.
The measure would affect thermal or rechargeable hybrid vehicles weighing more than 1.6 tons and electric vehicles weighing more than two tons. According to data from the Paris City Council, SUVs weigh 200 kilograms more than an equivalent conventional vehicle.
If the 1.4 million citizens called to the polls approve the proposal, Paris will become the second city in France to apply a tax on large SUVs and all-terrain vehicles for parking on public roads. Previously, the Lyon City Council approved new ordinances that establish three parking rates depending on the motorization and weight of the vehicles. The measure mainly affects SUVs.
Anne Hidalgo said that a possible restriction will also serve to send a message to car manufacturers, who encourage the purchase of "increasingly larger, more expensive vehicles and more consumers of raw materials", while at the same time providing greater security for the vehicles. pedestrians, especially children and the elderly. Residents, professionals, disabled people, taxis, medical and emergency teams will be exempt from this extraordinary fee for SUVs, Efe reports.
Voting will be open to all Parisians registered on the electoral lists, who for the second time will have the opportunity to make their position known on an issue related to mobility. Last April, 89% of the capital's citizens voted against rental electric scooters, although participation was reduced to 7.46% of registered voters.
