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New parking rule changes could see a wave of new SUV restrictions across major European cities, according to experts.
Locals in Paris, France voted to increase parking charges for heavy vehicles in a landmark referendum held on Sunday.
The new changes were backed by a staggering 54.55 percent of voters, paving the way for widespread changes.
It means owners of SUVs such as Land Rover machines will pay up to three times more to park their vehicles in the capital.
Jens Mueller, Deputy Director of Clean Cities, has claimed the new ruling showed that heavy SUV vehicles were “incompatible with urban life”.
The specialist revealed the decision could even push the issue onto the agenda across Europe with similar policies likely to follow.
The French city of Lyon already has extra parking fees for heavier vehicles with SUVs charged €15 (£12.81) more per month than an average car.
Meanwhile, the German city of Tübingen has been charging 50 percent more for residential parking charges since 2022.
Mr Mueller said: “Today’s vote is an important message from Parisians that monster SUVs are simply incompatible with urban life.
“Paris has already leapfrogged towards a city where people can easily walk, cycle and enjoy liveable neighbourhoods.
“Today’s vote takes Paris even closer to the vision of a truly people-centred city. Cities across Europe will hopefully be inspired to follow the example of the French capital.”
Under the new proposals, SUV owners will have to pay €18 (£15.38) an hour to leave their cars in the city centre.
This is a staggering 300 percent more than the current €6 (£5.13) charge applied to car owners.
Other areas of the city will see parking rates for SUVs rise from around €4 (£3.42) to €12 (£10.25).
However, a range of exemptions will come into effect with Paris residents not liable to pay the fees.
Tony Renucci, director of French clean air group Respire explained: “The result of the vote is a victory for Parisians’ quality of life.
“By making SUVs pay for the cost and nuisance they cause, Paris is sending a signal that these monsters on wheels are not welcome on our streets. It’s also excellent news for air quality, road safety and rebalancing public space in cities”.
But, Sadiq Khan has already appeared to rule out the introduction of a similar charge in London.
A spokesman told Express.co.uk: “There are no plans to introduce an SUV parking charge, nor does the Mayor have the powers to do so.”
