Paris has hiked parking charges on SUVs. Now cities like London are taking note

Parisians have voted to hike parking fees on large SUVs — and it's not the only European city to set its sights on heavier, more polluting cars.

At a referendum in Paris last month, almost 55% voted in favor of a specific parking rate for sports utility vehicles (SUVs) for non-residents. With a turnout rate of 5.7%, however, the poll represented only a small proportion of the capital's electoral list.

The measure will see drivers pay up to 18 euros ($19.54) an hour to park in the center of Paris, and 12 euros an hour in the wider city. The higher charges will apply to SUVs weighing more than 1.6 metric tons that are hybrid or have a combustion engine, as well as electric SUVs weighing over 2 metric tons.

According to Jens Müller, deputy director and head of policy and research at the Clean Cities campaign group, "what happens in Paris usually doesn't stay in Paris."

He told CNBC that there's a high chance of other cities following suit, and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo agrees, saying following the vote: "Parisians have made a clear choice … other cities will follow."

It comes as SUV sales continue to surge, with the International Energy Agency noting that "the shift towards heavier and less fuel-efficient conventional vehicles increases growth in both oil demand and CO₂ emissions." Global carbon emissions from the vehicles neared 1 billion tons in 2022, according to the IEA.  

SUVs remain popular because of their additional seating, storage space and higher driver position. Meanwhile, Edmund King, president of the U.K.'s AA, told the Times that there were "valid safety reasons why cars have got bigger."

"Vehicle safety has improved substantially and much is down to Euro NCAP, [a safety standard] which means modern vehicles have