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. 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." Its plans to introduce higher parking charges for heavier vehicles which is due to come into force next June. It's a nod to the fact that pollution isn't the only potential issue with SUVs, with space and safety also of concern.

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Persons: it's, Jens Müller, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Edmund King, Belit Onay Organizations: Anadolu, Getty, Clean Cities, CNBC, Paris Mayor, International Energy Agency, Times, Lyon, Grenoble, Transport, Environment, Vias Institute Locations: Paris, France, Europe, Bordeaux, Germany, Tübingen, Hanover, 200cm, Belgium