Lyon parking fees to be based on vehicle type and socio-economic status

The city of Lyon, France has introduced an innovative approach to on-street parking payments, moving away from a one-size-fits-all model. From 21 March 2024, the monthly subscription parking prices (ranging from €15 to €45) will now consider the weight and type of vehicles as well as households’ socio-economic status. This move aims to make kerbside parking on the 'blue lines' more equitable.

• The first tier, costing €15/month, applies to environmentally friendly cars, such as electric vehicles (EVs) weighing less than 2,100 kg, and extends the same rate to the most economically modest families.
• The second tier, priced at €30/month, encompasses vehicles weighing between 1 and 1,525 kg, including rechargeable hybrids within that weight range.
• The third tier, with a cost of €45/month, includes heat-powered vehicles exceeding 1,525 kg, rechargeable hybrids weighing more than 1,900 kg, and EVs exceeding 2,100 kg.

Occasional visitors to Lyon will also be subject to 'reduced,' 'standard,' or 'increased' rates based on their vehicle type. For instance, seven hours of on-street parking (on the 'blue lines') at the reduced rate will cost €18, while the standard and increased rates amount to €26 and €39, respectively.

The municipality of Lyon, led by Mayor Grégory Doucet since 2020, has made exceptions for certain professionals. Emergency repair workers, doctors, caregivers, physiotherapists, osteopaths, and veterinarians will have access to special rates or annual subscriptions, with subsidies for those using EVs.

Article published first at LifeGate on 2 February 2024.

Author: Carla Giaume

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.