55.55% of Parisians accept the principle of surcharge on parking prices for SUVs to combat pollution in particular. But the vote was marked by very low participation.
In Paris, the voters have decided. During a vote organized this Sunday, 54.55% of Parisians voted in favor of a “punitive” tariff, according to the opposition targeting the parking of SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles), considered heavier and more polluting, according to the town hall.
Concretely, non-resident visitors (tourists, commuters, etc.) whose thermal or rechargeable hybrid vehicle exceeds 1.6 tonnes, or two tonnes for an electric vehicle, will now have to pay 18 euros per hour for the central districts, 12 euros for the outer districts. Or a tripling of prices depending on the case.
“Parisian residents and sedentary professionals parked in their authorized parking zone, taxi drivers in dedicated stations, craftsmen, health professionals” and disabled people will not be affected, the town hall said.
If Anne Hildalgo, the mayor of Paris, was pleased, referring to “a clear choice” from Parisians, the vote was marked by very low participation. Of the nearly 1.3 million voters summoned, only 78,000 made the trip, representing a participation of 5.68%.
As for the implementation of this measure, we will still have to wait. The Paris Council will now have to approve a deliberation, in May, for application on September 1.
In a press release, the opposition group LR and related judged that the vote had taken place “in general indifference” which constitutes “a real disavowal for the mayor of Paris”.
Dissatisfied Parisians have already indicated that they will take action to have this measure annulled.
According to the town hall, the surcharge would concern “around 10% of the automobile fleet” and could bring in around 35 million additional revenue.
