New parking fees on 'large' cars now in force in Bordeaux
Residents and visitors will have to pay extra to park SUVs in the city
The vehicles are more polluting, damage roads more quickly, and are more dangerous say local politicians
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Drivers of heavier vehicles must now pay more to park in Bordeaux, as the city introduces an ‘SUV’ surcharge on certain vehicles.
Drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles that weigh over 1.6 tonnes and hybrid/electric vehicles over 1.9 tonnes need to pay an additional 30% to park within the city limits following the new rules, which came into place on Tuesday (May 13).
According to the local mairie, this affects up to 14% of inhabitants and 10% of visitors who drive into the city.
These vehicles are judged as ‘majoré’ and will need to pay the heightened fee using the current mechanisms of payment, either through parking apps or meters.
Exceptions are only in place for ‘professional’ vehicles.
Paris recently introduced increased parking rates for SUVs, although at a much-increased level compared to Bordeaux, with some drivers seeing rates triple.
Around half of all new vehicles purchased in France are SUVs, including a mix of traditional combustion and newer hybrid/electric vehicles.
‘The right to do what you want, in a responsible way’
The scheme is backed by the city’s Green mayor and his deputies, who believe it will reduce the number of SUVs on the road.
These heavier vehicles “consume more resources, generate more pollution,” and cost cities more as their “weight accelerates the deterioration of roads and pavements,” said mayor Pierre Hurmic.
“A pedestrian is up to twice as likely to be killed in a collision with an SUV as with a standard car,” the mayor added, quoted in Le Figaro.
“The idea is to show... that everyone has the right to do what they want, but in a responsible way,” said deputy mayor Didier Jeanjean.
“The experts are talking about climate change, so we're taking action. We can't be blamed for doing nothing.”
“I'm not judging SUV owners, just as I'm not judging those who still use shower gel instead of soap. Everyone takes the time they need to move forward. But we can't have grand speeches without any action,” he added.
The city recently announced it would increase how long streetlights were turned on for overnight, as it looked to increase safety for pedestrians late at night.
