I have recently read that starting this January, the city of Paris has devised a new parking fee system, in which it is making SUVs pay more for the same spot based on the vehicle’s size and weight. The law was apparently voted unanimously. In order to be fair, the law has provision to ensure that electric cars (meaning electric SUVs) and large-family SUVs (who do need larger cars) are exempt from the increased fees. At first sight, this seems to be a reasonable law to stem the rise of what the officials call ‘auto-besity’, the inexorable growth in the weight and size of vehicles circulating in big cities, and particularly in Paris.
On a second level of thinking, however, one can see a number of issues with the details and the arguments provided. First of all, the line of argument, more than pollution, is about space and traffic complications these cars create. If so, why exempt electric SUVs? They do as much harm as normal SUV in this area.
Secondly, the exemptions provide two distinct categories of unnecessary wrongs: the wealthier people－those who can afford electric SUVs－get special treatment. In addition, the administrative burden of distinguishing between large families and non-large families and the corruption and cheating will probably end up costing more than what it is going to bring in.
And last but not the least, if you want to push the public good argument furthermore, you can one day argue to see higher rates for plane tickets for the obese, or higher bus fares for them. Of course, I am not saying that, and believe me I am no car defender－in fact I ride the public transport most of the time－but Paris’ current leadership clan, guided by none other than mayor Hidalgo, is bringing one law after another in pursuit of driving cars out of the city. That is all except higher prices hybrid and electric cars.
Paris, February 12, 2021,
Zeejay