One of Europe’s largest capitals may ban crossovers: City’s mayor explains reason
Photo: one of Europe's largest capitals may ban crossovers (Getty Images)
Paris's mayor, Anne Hidalgo, wants to ban driving crossover cars in the city. She plans to introduce a bill that would grant city councils the authority to prohibit the use of certain private vehicles, The Times reports.
The bill will be brought up for review as early as next week. If it is approved and comes into effect, the restrictions will not apply to all crossovers and SUVs but specifically to luxury and premium models, such as the Range Rover, according to the news agency. These vehicles are referred to in the draft as "4x4s de luxe" or "quatre-quatres de luxe" (luxury 4x4s). This includes gasoline and diesel crossovers and SUVs weighing more than 1.7 tons and electric SUVs weighing over two tons.
According to statistics cited by The Times, crossovers and SUVs that could be subject to the ban make up about 25 percent of Paris’s vehicle fleet.
Previously, the parking costs for heavy crossovers and SUVs in Paris were increased — parking in the city center now costs 18 euros per hour, compared to six euros for vehicles in other classes. Additionally, a ban on all vehicles driving through the city center is in effect, except for cases where the vehicle owners work in the area, are visiting for shopping, or going to a restaurant or museum.
