These heavy and imposing vehicles came under fire again last month, after the death of a young cyclist crushed by an SUV in Paris. For elected communists it is urgent to limit their presence in the city.
The death in Paris, a month ago, of Paul Varry, a 27-year-old man hit by an SUV driver while he was cycling, still causes aftershocks. This tragedy puts SUVs in the dock, these imposing vehicles that have been flooding the automotive market for several years. After proposing a ban in Paris following the death of Paul Varry, the senator and Paris city councilor Ian Brossat would now like to limit its circulation at a national level.
The elected communist is preparing to present a bill this week “give local elected officials the means to regulate, or even ban, the presence of SUVs in the city for environmental and safety reasons”. “In urban areas, where sharing roads is sometimes difficult, banning SUVs in some sectors seems necessary to protect other users”writes in his legal text, consulted by Le Figaro. An editorial that is limited to the heaviest SUVs, the oversized ones “1.8 tons for thermal vehicles” and more than “2 tons for 100% electric vehicles to take into account their specific constraints”indicates his proposed law. OR “a minority of vehicles, those that are bulkier and pose more problems”Ian Brossat said last Thursday at BFM Paris Île-de-France.
“More accident prone” and “high carbon footprint”
To justify this desire to reduce the presence of SUVs in the city, Ian Brossat stated on the set of the local channel that these vehicles were “More accident prone, heavier and therefore more dangerous ». In his bill, the former deputy mayor of Paris cites several foreign studies (statistics are rare in France) including one carried out in Switzerland by the insurance company AXA, according to which “These vehicles, particularly those weighing more than 2.1 tonnes, cause 10% to 27% more accidents than other types of cars”. Or another, created by a Belgian institute specializing in road safety, ensuring that, for vulnerable users, “the risk of fatal injuries increases by 50% if hit by a 1800 kg vehicle, compared to a 1200 kg vehicle”.
In addition to the alleged danger, Ian Brossat also insists on the anti-ecological nature of these cars. “Large vehicles, especially SUVs weighing more than 1.8 tonnes, whether thermal or electric, have a high carbon footprint”writes on the invoice. To affirm this he cites the International Energy Agency “An electric SUV produces a 70% higher carbon footprint than a standard electric car”. “Thermal SUVs, for their part, consume on average 20% more fuel than a conventional vehicle”he adds. Other complaints are mentioned, such as “increase in vehicle prices, especially on the used market”, induced by the development of the SUV market, or by the problem “the occupation and sharing of urban space” caused by these larger vehicles.
But this measure does not aim to ban SUVs throughout France. “There are undoubtedly areas where we need this type of car, particularly on country roads”underlined Ian Brossat, interviewed by France 3 Paris Île-de-France. For the communist senator it is a question of banning these vehicles “in urban areas that so desire, based on a decision by the city council”he told BFM Paris. However, the road to the adoption of this bill is long and narrow. The text would first have to overcome the obstacle of a Senate with a right-wing majority, then a fragmented National Assembly, where the left would need the support of other blocs to pass this law.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Expert on Urban Vehicle Regulation
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our special segment on urban safety and vehicle regulations. Today, we’re diving deep into a pressing issue following a tragic incident in Paris where a young cyclist lost his life due to an SUV accident. Joining us is Dr. Marc Lefèvre, an urban safety expert and advisor on transportation policies. Thank you for being here, Dr. Lefèvre.
Dr. Lefèvre: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical topic, and I’m glad to contribute to the conversation.
Time.news Editor: Let’s begin with the heart of the matter. The death of 27-year-old Paul Varry has reignited discussions about the presence of SUVs in urban areas. What are your thoughts on the calls for a ban or restrictions on these vehicles, especially after such a heartbreaking event?
Dr. Lefèvre: The call for restrictions is understandable. SUVs are inherently larger and heavier compared to regular vehicles, which makes them more dangerous in collisions—especially for vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians. As Ian Brossat highlighted in his proposal, these vehicles have been linked to a higher incidence of accidents. The statistics from the Swiss AXA study show a concerning trend that can’t be ignored.
Time.news Editor: That’s a significant statistic. What about the broader implications of allowing SUVs to dominate urban spaces?
Dr. Lefèvre: SUVs not only pose a safety risk, but they also contribute to environmental concerns. Many of these vehicles have a higher carbon footprint, which conflicts with ongoing efforts to reduce urban pollution. Cities are striving to be more sustainable, and limiting the circulation of heavier vehicles is one component of that strategy. Banning or regulating SUVs could potentially decrease traffic fatalities and reduce emissions in congested areas.
Time.news Editor: Some might argue that SUVs have become popular for their perceived safety and practicality. How do you address those concerns?
Dr. Lefèvre: It is true that many people buy SUVs because they feel safer in them. However, this perceived safety comes at a cost. As research indicates, the risk of severe injury or death increases significantly for vulnerable road users when they are struck by larger vehicles. Furthermore, the larger build of SUVs often leads to more significant blind spots for drivers, which can result in accidental collisions. It’s a complex issue, but one we must confront.
Time.news Editor: Ian Brossat proposed that local elected officials should have the power to regulate or even ban SUVs in specific urban areas. How effective do you think this measure would be?
Dr. Lefèvre: Empowering local governments is crucial for effective urban planning. Cities can tailor regulations to fit their unique environments. If areas with high pedestrian and cyclist traffic can limit the presence of bulky vehicles, it could lead to safer streets for everyone. That said, the effectiveness of such measures will also depend on public buy-in and enforcement, as well as investing in alternative transport options.
Time.news Editor: Enforcement certainly adds another layer to this discussion. How do cities balance these restrictions while ensuring that they don’t disproportionately affect certain demographics?
Dr. Lefèvre: That’s an important consideration. Equity must be a central principle in these discussions. Cities need to engage with various community stakeholders—an inclusive dialogue can help uncover how best to implement restrictions, possibly through incentives for smaller, safer vehicles or enhancements to public transport. The goal should not only be to regulate but also to facilitate a transition to safer and more sustainable mobility options.
Time.news Editor: Your insights have been invaluable, Dr. Lefèvre. Before we conclude, what do you see as the next steps for cities grappling with this issue?
Dr. Lefèvre: Cities need to prioritize road safety and environmental sustainability in their transport policies. This could mean introducing pilot programs to test the impact of SUV regulations, enhancing infrastructure for safer cycling and walking, and promoting public awareness campaigns. Ultimately, creating safer urban environments is a shared responsibility, and proactive measures can make a significant difference.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lefèvre, for your expert perspective on this critical issue. It’s clear that the conversation around SUVs is complex, but necessary for the wellbeing of our urban spaces. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Lefèvre: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for positive changes in our cities moving forward.