Why has Paris increased parking charges on SUVs?
In Paris, citizens recently voted to raise parking fees for sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Most voters wanted to increase fees for SUVs used by people who don't live in the city. These extra charges will apply to regular and heavy electric SUVs.
This decision was made because more and more people are buying SUVs. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says that using heavy and less fuel-efficient cars causes more pollution.
So, the main goal of raising SUV parking fees is to reduce the use of these big, space-taking, and polluting cars in the city.
Are SUVs harmful to the environment?
In 2023, a study found that new SUVs release more harmful carbon dioxide than cars bought in 2013. SUVs are becoming more popular, but they're making it harder to reduce carbon emissions from new vehicles.
Another study in 2019 showed that SUVs were the second-biggest reason for more carbon dioxide in the air over the past ten years. Some people think electric SUVs are better for the environment, but they're still heavy and use a lot of energy, which costs more.
Also, making bigger SUVs needs more materials, and we shouldn't waste resources on less efficient vehicles. Due to their large size, SUVs are also dangerous to other people on the road, such as cyclists and walkers.
So, SUVs are seen as a problem for the environment as the world deals with climate change. The recent decision in Paris is viewed as an example for other European cities to follow.
Will more European cities adopt the same rule?
As more SUVs and big cars are being sold, Paris decided to raise parking fees for SUVs, which other European cities might copy. Many people think this rule can make streets safer and the air cleaner.
However, cities trying to reduce the number of SUVs on their streets are facing opposition from owners and other car groups. So, applying this rule in all cities might take some more time.
Do you think this rule is good? Should India use it, too? Share your thoughts in the comments.
