Councils from Paris to the Yarra want to use parking fees to clamp down on SUVs (opens in new tab)

This is going to be costly to implement and maintain and the benefits are unclear to ...everyone, apparently? Bit of a head scratcher to me. I may just need to learn how to read.

Issuing demerit points (or fines) for these vehicles when their trays or hoods block footpaths without might change behaviour and increase accessibility? Just spitballing my totally unprofessional opinion. Disabled parking is a moot point when people with mobility issues and/or those who use mobility aids have to use the road because the footpath is blocked. Having parks that are actually long enough for these vehicles doesn't seem to stop drivers from obstructing footpaths, at least in my town (which is in the same state as Naarm/Melbourne).

Regulating the hood-taller-than-most-adults, useless-3-foot-bed monstrosities as to require additional licensing or as commercial only vehicles (or something to that effect) might make a difference. Never gonna happen, though.

On the topic of regulating vehicles, it'd be nice if the stock headlight brightness and colour were regulated to not blind people, especially those of us who don't drive yank tanks or other tall vehicles. Slip in some totally unrelated stuff requiring basic safety features (headlights, indicators, windscreen wipers, maybe even basic media and environment controls) to be physical controls and not touchscreen rubbish would be nice. I can dream.

If they follow Paris, smaller SUVs weighing 1.6+ tonnes like the Toyota Rav4 will be slugged even though these cars are the same length as a Corolla sedan.

Given Rav4 owners already pay higher rego in Australia due to weight, this new parking fee will not go down well if it follows Paris.

I saw the first news about this recently. They framed it as targetting oversized American SUVs and pickups which are relatively uncommon. Most people said "ok fair enough". Surprise surprise they are using oldest trick in book. Increase initial acceptance of an idea with ambiguity and omission. Later, we find it's not just about "Dodge Ram Behemoths" but also the much smaller "Rav4", owned by millions of battling Aussies. Good luck with that plan!

Already pay more for registration. Funnily enough my Chyank Tank is one of the most fuel efficient cars I have ever driven, so they cant get me there. DPF is factory installed, so emissions aren't the issue. Its got 360 degree cameras and alerts and bells and alarms and things so its not a safety thing. Is it envy or revenue raising. Only 2 options left really.