To reduce air pollution and address the climate crisis, Parisians have voted to triple the cost of parking for large SUVs and other heavy cars.

54.55% of voters favor the proposal, which would charge cars weighing more than 1.6 tonnes with a combustion engine or hybrid, and more than 2 tons for electric vehicles, €18 ($19) per hour in central Paris. The hourly rate for other cars is €6 ($6.40).

The move is a component of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's bigger strategy to reduce traffic and enhance pedestrian safety. This means banning cars from the Seine River's banks and expanding bike lanes across the city.

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The higher parking costs are expected to be approved by the Paris City Council in May, and they will become effective in September. The plan has elicited varying reactions. Green activists have hailed the ruling as a victory for Parisians' quality of life, even in the face of opposition from some motor groups over the SUV idea.

Merely 5.7% of Paris's registered voters cast ballots, indicating a low level of voter turnout. In France, sales of SUVs have increased sevenfold over the last ten years, accounting for roughly 40% of sales of new cars.

The majority of people who will be impacted by the measure are outside visitors; However, both driver's groups and opposition leaders have criticized the idea, claiming that the SUV designation is misleading because many family-sized vehicles will be affected.

The fee amounted to "punitive environmentalism," according to centrist French Environment Minister Christophe Bechu, who made the statement to channel RTL.

Ms. Hidalgo prevailed in a city ballot last April to forbid the rental of e-scooters on Parisian roadways. Less than 8% of eligible voters, nevertheless, cast ballots.

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