Public parking fees in Paris will rise to €18 ($20) per hour starting October 2024, primarily affecting SUV owners and certain heavy vehicles.
The increase follows a public referendum where 54.5% of voters supported higher fees, despite low voter turnout.
Exemptions apply for residents, professionals, craftsmen, and individuals with special needs, while the fees aim to reduce pollution and improve traffic safety.
Paris is not the most expensive city for parking; Manhattan leads with rates reaching $50 per hour, while Mumbai offers much lower fees at around $1.19.
- The new parking fees in Paris are part of a broader initiative by Mayor Anne Hidalgo to promote sustainable transportation and reduce the city's carbon footprint.
- The fees will apply to combustion-powered cars, hybrid vehicles over 1.6 tons, and electric vehicles over 2 tons, targeting heavy vehicles that contribute to urban pollution.
- In addition to increasing parking fees, Paris has been implementing measures such as expanding bicycle paths and closing roads to cars to enhance pedestrian access and reduce traffic congestion.
