Paris to Triple Parking Charge for Heavy ICE Cars and BEVs

Citizens of Paris approve a measure to slap punitive parking fees on large passenger vehicles such as SUVs including heavyweight battery-electric vehicles.

The BBC reports anti-congestion proposals put to a referendum by the city’s Mayor Anne Hidalgo saw a 54.55% majority agree the scheme. While the turnout was low at just 5.7%, it’s worth noting residents will not be affected by the penalty charges for their large vehicles. The move is mainly aimed at commuters from the suburbs who drive into the center of the capital.

Hourly charges for internal-combustion-powered, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars weighing over 1.6 metric tons and BEVs more than 2 metric tons will be charged at a rate of €18 ($20) an hour for an average working day rate of €162 ($180), more than three times that for all other private vehicles.

The measure is hoped to ease the movement of public transport facilities ahead of this summer’s Paris Olympic Games. There will be exemptions for taxi drivers, tradespeople, health workers and people with disabilities. Last April, Hidalgo won a city referendum on banning rental e-scooters from Paris streets.