Campaigners have called for SUV owners to be slapped with heavier car parking changes after changes are set to be introduced in Paris, France.
The Campaign for Better Transport admitted they “want to see higher charges” introduced for those with heavier vehicles.
According to the campaign group, SUV machines are “too large for urban roads” and impact all road users.
The group claims SUVs “increase congestion” by taking up more road space and exceeding parking bays.
Meanwhile, the increased congestion can also have a knock-on effect on bus reliability.
Silviya Barrett, spokesperson for the group suggested a fee would “reduce the impact” of SUVs across the country.
She explained: “SUVs are too large for city streets, creating obstruction to pedestrians and road users, and disproportionately adding to congestion and carbon emissions.
“We want to see higher charges for visitor and resident parking for SUVs in UK cities and better parking enforcement to help reduce the impact of these large vehicles on our cities’ roads and public transport system.”
The calls come after Paris residents decided to back a motion to triple SUV parking fees in a landmark referendum.
A staggering 54.5 percent of voters cast their ballot in favour of price rises for all vehicles above 1.6 tonnes.
It means charges to leave an SUV in the city centre will rise to a whopping 18€ (£15) per hour. This is a hefty rise on the current 6€ (£5) per hour rate generally in force across the city.
However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has already ruled out introducing a Paris-style SUV fee in the UK capital.
A spokesperson for the Mayor told Express.co.uk that copying Paris’ move was not on the table.
They said: “There are no plans to introduce an SUV parking charge, nor does the Mayor have the powers to do so.”
But, London boroughs such as Lewisham, Westminster and Lambeth have started to launch emissions-based parking fees.
This charges motorists based on how much pollution their car emits with gas-guzzling petrol and diesel models in the firing line.
Mrs Barrett added: “A number of local authorities and London boroughs have already implemented or are considering implementing emissions-based resident parking permits. This needs to be looked at more consistently across the country.”
