Austria aims to triple parking costs for SUVs, following the model adopted through a referendum in Paris
A day after Parisians voted in a referendum to triple parking costs for SUVs deemed polluting, a similar debate has erupted in Austria.
Some politicians there are seeking to implement the same measure. Alongside environmental concerns, they also cite reasons related to safety and the space required by such vehicles.
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18 euros for one hour of parking in the center of Paris. Starting from September 1, drivers of large vehicles like SUVs will be charged that amount. The measure, determined in a referendum last weekend, has sparked interest elsewhere.
Members of the Green Party are currently urging for a similar approach in Austrian cities. Politicians from the Green Party are now demanding the same for cities in Austria.
Judith Schwentner, Vice Mayor of Graz: "We must seek an equitable resolution for pedestrians requiring a specific safety standard. The goal is to create an eco-friendly city. This means there must be more space for trees. In simple terms, everyone needs to contribute to ensure all these".
In Vienna, Salzburg or Innsbruck, ecologists share a similar vision. Residents have mixed opinions.
Walter Kriwetz, a merchant: "Individuals owning large vehicles have the financial capacity to incur higher expenses. Cyclists incur minimal costs, merely traveling from point 'A' to point 'B'. I personally pay more car tax because the roads are maintained by drivers, not cyclists".
Wolfgang Kiel, entrepreneur: "I think it's a good idea. Larger cars need more parking space, so their owners should pay a bit more".
Silvia Schandl, entrepreneur: "It's a kind of ban on cars in the city, and I don't think it's a good idea. We need to be accessible to customers, which means cyclists, pedestrians and drivers alike".
However, Austrian lawyers see certain legal obstacles.
Matthias Wolf, a lawyer: "For example, modifications to federal laws would be necessary since they explicitly limit the ways in which local authorities can enforce parking fees".
A clear refusal comes from the mayor of the city of Salzburg.
The official outright rejects the proposed plan from the ecologists of the Green Party, citing constitutional issues.
