London is assessing potential new charges for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) as part of its Vision Zero strategy to improve road safety, the BBC reported, citing concerns over vehicle size and urban traffic risks.
The Vision Zero plan, led by city authorities, outlines the growing impact of larger vehicles on urban infrastructure and safety. It notes that around half of new cars are now too wide for standard on-street parking spaces, reflecting a broader shift in vehicle design and consumer preference.
City Hall analysis indicates that larger vehicles occupy more road space, reduce visibility at junctions and crossings, and limit space for other road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists. These factors, according to the report cited by the BBC, contribute to heightened risks in dense urban environments.
Data referenced by City Hall shows that SUVs are more likely to result in fatal outcomes in collisions with pedestrians than smaller cars. The analysis also indicates that SUVs are 77% more likely to kill a child in a collision compared to standard passenger vehicles.
The number of SUVs in London has risen sharply over the past two decades, increasing from around 80,000 in 2002 to approximately 800,000 in 2023, according to figures cited in the report.
The proposed SUV charge is part of a broader package of 43 measures under the Vision Zero strategy aimed at reducing road deaths and injuries. These measures include expanded 20 mph speed limits, additional pedestrian crossings, and the use of artificial intelligence to detect dangerous driving behaviour.
While the proposal focuses on vehicle size and safety, it may also have implications for the transition to electric mobility. Electric SUVs are accounting for a growing share of new vehicle registrations, raising questions about how future policy frameworks will balance emissions targets with physical characteristics such as vehicle size and weight.
No final decision has been made regarding the introduction, scope or structure of any SUV-related charges. Authorities said further assessment is ongoing as part of the wider Vision Zero strategy.