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Paris SUV policy and urban sustainability

Nature Cities volume 1, page 328 (2024)Cite this article

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A majority of voters have passed a new strategy in Paris to discourage sports utility vehicles (SUVs) from its city center1. The referendum — which passed with 54.55% of votes — tripled parking fees for vehicles that weigh 1.6 tonnes or more to 18 euros per hour in the city center and 12 euros in outer areas. This decision, which is reflective of a broader commitment to reducing air pollution and promoting sustainable urban mobility, sets a precedent that could inspire cities worldwide to adopt similar measures. Initiated as part of the city’s larger agenda, the policy specifically targets SUVs — which are known for their higher emissions — to directly address an important source of urban air pollution and has implications that stretch beyond environmental benefits to include substantial public health improvements.

Vehicle emissions contribute considerably to urban air pollution, which is a leading environmental risk factor for various health conditions (including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases). The World Health Organization attributes approximately 4.2 million premature deaths globally to outdoor air pollution, annually2. In Paris, transportation accounts for around 30% of greenhouse gas emissions3, and private vehicles (particularly diesel- and petrol-powered SUVs) are major contributors. By imposing restrictions on these vehicles, Paris is directly confronting the escalating trend of SUVs not only growing in size, but also in their environmental footprint. Recent data highlight that SUVs are growing larger and less sustainable: some rival small tanks in size, and most SUVs are powered by petrol. For example, in 2020, SUVs emitted on average 134 g of CO2 per kilometer — 13 g more than other new petrol cars4. SUVs also consume more fuel than medium-sized cars, which highlights their inefficiency and role in urban pollution.

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References

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  1. Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

    Zaheer Allam

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Correspondence to Zaheer Allam.

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Allam, Z. Paris SUV policy and urban sustainability. Nat Cities 1, 328 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44284-024-00065-1

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