<h5><strong>Why has Paris increased parking charg</strong>es on SUVs?</h5><p>Recently, a vote happened in Paris regarding increasing the parking fees for sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Most people voted to increase the parking fees for SUVs used by non-residents. The extra fees will apply to SUVs weighing more than 1.6 metric tonnes (1600 kg) and electric SUVs weighing more than 2 metric tonnes (2000 kg).</p><p>This decision was made at a time when SUV sales were increasing. The International Energy Agency (IEA) cautions that using heavier, less fuel-efficient vehicles increases oil demand and carbon dioxide emissions.</p><p>The IEA said that in 2022 vehicles released lots of pollution worldwide. So, the primary objective of increasing the SUV parking charges was to discourage the usage of such bulky, space-taking, and polluting vehicles in the city.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/paris-increases-suv-parking-fees%2FParis.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=ea824596-d6b3-48e1-9579-8daf844d9421"><figcaption>An SUV on the streets. Photo by Sky News.</figcaption></figure><h5><strong>Are SUVs harmful to the environment?</strong></h5><p>A study in 2023 revealed a newly purchased SUV releases more harmful carbon dioxide than a car bought in 2013. The increased popularity of SUVs is destroying the progress that has been made in reducing carbon emissions from new vehicles.</p><p>A 2019 research by the IEA showed that SUVs were the second largest contributor to the global rise in carbon dioxide emissions over the past decade. It has contributed to more emissions than industries like aviation, shipping, etc.</p><p>We might argue that electric SUVs can be used as they are more environmentally friendly than petrol or diesel SUVs. However, they are still heavy and require a lot of energy to operate, resulting in increased long-term expenditures.</p><p>Also, the increased size of SUVs requires additional materials to construct them. As these resources grow more scarce, avoiding spending them on inefficient vehicles is critical. Furthermore, SUVs pose a significant risk to the safety of other road users, especially bicycles and pedestrians, due to their larger size.</p><p>So, SUVs are being criticised as a threat to the environment as the world continues to experience the effects of climate change. The recent decision in Paris is viewed as an example for other European cities to follow.</p><h5><strong>Will more European cities adopt the same rule?</strong></h5><p>As SUV and other heavy vehicle sales grow, the recent decision to increase SUV parking fees in Paris is seen as an inspiration for other European cities to follow. Many think implementing this rule in other cities can make their streets safer and their air cleaner.</p><p>However, cities aiming to reduce the number of SUVs on their streets face opposition from owners and other automobile groups. Also, a French association has filed a petition claiming drivers should be free to pick the automobiles they want. This shows that it will take some time before a similar rule can be implemented across all European cities.</p><p>So, do you consider this a good rule? Should it be implemented in India as well? Tell us in the comments.</p>

A vote took place in Paris, and the decision to increase SUV parking fees was made.

Paris Increases SUV Parking Fees

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Paris Increases SUV Parking Fees

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