Khan hints London could copy France's plan to charge SUV owners higher parking fees

The French SUV plan will be put to a referendum on Monday. Photo: Benoit Tessier/Reuters

Sadiq Khan hailed France's plan to raise parking charges for SUV owners as «innovative» as he suggested London could copy other countries' net zero taxes in the future.

The capital's mayor appeared to praise a plan by Anne Hidalgo, the Socialist mayor of Paris, for higher fees for SUV drivers, which will be debated in a referendum on Monday.

Mr Khan said heavier vehicles were «taking over more space» and create «problems with carbon emissions, etc.» spoke at an event dedicated to the fight against environmental pollution.

Asked by The Guardian about Ms Hidalgo's politics, he said: “We are always looking at politics around the world. I am a firm believer in the theft of good policy. Instead of inventing [new policies] badly, if other cities are doing something that works, we will copy them.»

«Innovative ways to combat air pollution»

A spokesman for Mr. Khan said, that he had «no plans» to introduce charges for SUV parking in London, adding: «The Mayor stressed that leaders around the world are exploring innovative ways to tackle air pollution and improve road safety, and the Mayor continues to monitor this.»

Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for mayor of London, accused Khan of «a war on motorists that shows no signs of slowing.»

«For him, it's all about the money. This robbery can only be stopped by showing this burglar the door and voting him out of office on May 2,” she said.

Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Buckingham, added: “As always, this a Labor mayor dictating to citizens what they should and shouldn't do. Stand back and leave people alone.”

Mr Khan also praised London councils for their “bold policy on parking charges”. Islington council in north London charges parked cars according to engine weight, and Lambeth is also considering similar measures.

His remarks came as he apologized to his mother on behalf of the Greater London Authority. Ella Adu-Kissi-Debra, who died in 2013 after a fatal asthma attack that a coroner said was partly caused by air pollution.