It’s something sure to interest readers of the 56Paris blog – is a green SUV tax in Paris in the cards?
Recent reports suggest it’s a new plan designed to reduce traffic and improve the green credentials of our city.
While the details are not finalized, here’s what we do know about the proposal.
A move to reduce pollution
In a move to reduce pollution and promote sustainable transportation in our city, Paris officials are considering charges on large sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
This could mean a ‘very significant’ rise in parking fees for those driving 4x4 off-road style cars in our city.
The idea has gained traction in recent years, as Paris grapples with air pollution and traffic congestion. SUVs are generally larger and heavier than other vehicles, and they emit more greenhouse gases. As a result, they are sometimes seen as a major contributor to the city's environmental problems.
The proposed measure has sparked a debate among residents and experts. Some argue that it’s necessary to address the growing number of large vehicles on Parisian roads. While others are expressing concerns about its potential impact on car owners and the economy.
It’s a decision going up for a public vote in February, ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics taking place next summer.
The latest ‘green’ scheme for Paris
A green SUV Tax is the latest project from Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris.
During her nine years in office, Ms Hidalgo has pushed for several eco-conscious measures. They include planting urban forests, a new green park beneath the Eiffel Tower, and reducing traffic around the Champs-Élysées.
Talking about the possibility of higher charges for SUVs, she said, “While the number of private cars in Paris has fallen over the last 10 years… at the same time the average size and weight of vehicles have continued to increase.
“There are still too many polluting SUVs taking up more space on our streets… and this vote sends a message to carmakers to stop pushing to buy ever-bigger, more expensive, more resource-guzzling, more polluting cars.”
Of course, the plans will have to win the vote of those living in Paris. But it’s worth noting – just a few months ago Parisians voted to ban shared electric scooters. Could this vote go the same way?
Voting will be open to all people living in Paris registered by January 8, 2024.
Alternate methods for getting around town
Paris has led innovation in local transportation, setting up a pioneering bike-sharing service in 2007.
Called ‘Velib,’ the system has since been copied globally, everywhere from London to Chicago.
The ‘Autolib' electric car-sharing service followed, then a surge in dockless bikes, before the now banned electric scooters made their appearance in 2018.
Other private mobility devices include two-wheeled e-hoverboards as well as electric bicycles and unicycles.
However, critics of the newer modes of transport say their users have simply stopped using the subway Metro system in Paris. So these new ways of getting around the city haven’t necessarily reduced automotive traffic on the roads. People have simply ‘switched over’ to them from public transport.
Will the green SUV Tax in Paris affect me?
According to the Mayor’s office, just 37% of Parisian homeowners own a car. In the center of Paris, that figure drops to 20%.
But that is all vehicles – not just SUVs. So it’ll only affect a limited number of people.
Secondly, the higher SUV charges would only apply when parking on the streets of Paris as a visitor – not if you park with a resident’s permit or in your own private parking space.
Finally, it depends whether your car is actually an SUV.
Currently, fuel and hybrid cars weighing over 1.6 tons, and electric cars over two tons, are SUVs in the eyes of the French government.
Scanning the vehicle’s license plate will show this information to the city’s parking enforcement officers.
If SUV drivers fail to pay the higher amount for parking, they’ll receive a fine.
Will the SUV tax have an impact?
The plans hope to push Parisians to switch to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. Or give up city driving altogether, and use public transport such as buses and the subway. The overall idea is to dramatically reduce the number of cars on the roads of Paris over the next decade.
But the proposed SUV tax has already met with mixed reactions from residents. Some support it, arguing that it is necessary to address the city's environmental problems.
Others oppose the tax, arguing that it is unfair to SUV owners, may not actually change the air quality anyway, and will have a negative impact on the economy.
Stay in touch with 56Paris
The public vote on the green SUV Tax in Paris takes place in February 2024.
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