Paris Planning to Restrict SUVs and Old Diesels

French capital Paris is looking into ways to set a new pack of restrictions regarding the use of gas-guzzling vehicles in the city, including SUVs and other types of vehicles that are releasing too many polluting gases. In an effort to limit pollution, the local authorities are planning to issue multiple limitations that could make micro, small and compact car more appropriate for city driving than the big SUVs some of the residents have bought in the last couple of years.

Still, the project is still in an alpha stage, so not much is known about the regulations that could be imposed in the upcoming years. Denis Baupin, a mayor office representative, said according to the Detroit Free Press that SUVs and old diesels are most likely to be the main vehicles targeted by the future legislation.

"Sell it and buy a vehicle that's compatible with city life. I'm sorry, but having a sport utility vehicle in a city makes no sense," Baupin was quoted as saying to the RTL radio.

Of course, details are yet to be established, but some of the restrictions could only limit the use of gas-guzzler during specific hours of the day or only in certain neighborhoods. Furthermore, the authorities are still working on the penalties that could be given to those breaking the rules, so further details are likely to be announced in the future.

However, in case the French capital representatives do come to an agreement, the regulations won't come into effect sooner than late 2011 or 2012.