Undoubtedly, SUVs have gained immense popularity, but do they truly belong in urban environments?

These vehicles are typically larger, heavier, and more environmentally damaging than conventional cars, and studies indicate they pose greater risks to pedestrians and cyclists.

The advocacy group Clean Cities reports that the number of SUVs in London has surged from around 80,000 in 2002 to 800,000 in 2023—a tenfold increase in just two decades.

There is a growing chorus of voices calling for measures to decrease the prevalence of SUVs in London, with activists suggesting that owners of these vehicles should face higher parking and road usage fees.

Some local governments, such as Lambeth in South London, are contemplating such policies, while Westminster has already implemented restrictions.

Nicola Pastore established the organization Solve the School Run, which aims to lessen reliance on cars for school drop-offs and pick-ups. As a resident of Lambeth and a parent of three children under nine, she notes that the presence of SUVs on the roads appears to be constantly rising.

“SUVs are extremely perilous for children,” she remarks. “When we’re walking through the city, there are countless large vehicles on the roads, making it a frightening experience, as kids hit by bigger cars face significantly higher risks.

“The concerning reality is that this situation worsens year on year as more SUVs are sold and take to our streets. We urge local authorities to take decisive action against the purchase and usage of these vehicles. They could adjust parking fees to reflect the space larger cars occupy and the threats they pose to the public.

“If you drive a large vehicle, taking up more room and posing greater risks, you should incur higher costs.”

Dr. Anthony Laverty from Imperial College London has researched the dangers associated with SUVs, noting that they are significantly more hazardous than smaller cars.

“It’s true more SUVs are on the roads now. Last year, over half of all new cars sold were SUVs,” he states.

“Our research has concentrated on their impact on road safety. The findings indicate that if an SUV strikes a pedestrian or cyclist, the chances of severe injury or fatality are much higher.

“We reviewed numerous global studies encompassing half a million traffic-related injuries. The conclusion is that being hit by an SUV elevates the risk of death by 44% compared to being struck by a standard passenger car.

“For children, the risk is even greater at 82%. This is understandable, as the increased height and blunt shape of SUVs put kids at greater risk of head or torso injuries. In summary, they pose a much graver danger to both pedestrians and cyclists.”

Other cities have begun to address SUV usage as well.

Last year, residents of Paris voted in favor of a substantial hike in parking fees for SUVs, tripling the charges for vehicles weighing 1.6 tons or more to €18 (£15.55) per hour in the inner city.

This proposal garnered approval from 54.55% of voters, although turnout was below 6%.

As far back as 2008, the then-mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, sought to increase the congestion charge to £25 for larger vehicles within carbon emissions band G, which included many 4x4s. However, after he was defeated by Boris Johnson in that year’s mayoral election, the measure was never enacted.

Despite this, there seems to be a rising political shift opposing SUVs, with Lambeth Council exploring the possibility of implementing a parking surcharge for oversized vehicles.

Max Sullivan, a Labour councillor in Westminster, noted that initiatives in Westminster often influence policy across the capital and beyond.

For the past year, Westminster has operated an emissions-based parking scheme that raises charges for some SUVs.

“I believe we should remain open to any strategies that can enhance the urban environment in Westminster,” he told BBC London. “Currently, we are assessing the effectiveness of the emissions-based charging implemented over the past year, which has proven beneficial in improving air quality.

“It means larger, more polluting vehicles incur higher fees, thus discouraging some of their usage. Progress has been made, but clearly, more work is necessary.”

Elly Baker, chair of the Transport Committee on the London Assembly, is among those advocating for more decisive action.

“The limited road space in London was not designed for the enormous vehicles currently prevalent,” she informed BBC London.

“SUVs are occupying valuable street space, complicating parking, and their increased height and weight elevate the risk of serious injury or death in accidents.

“We should consider imposing size limits on regular vehicles and exploring higher charges where suitable.”

The Assembly is urging the mayor to take comprehensive actions in this regard:

When BBC London inquired about City Hall’s intentions regarding SUVs, they responded: “This year, the mayor will be updating his Vision Zero Action Plan to reaffirm his commitment to reducing road danger and addressing emerging threats on our roads.”

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders refrained from comment, but discussions surrounding SUVs in urban settings continue to intensify.

Additional reporting by Anna O’Neill.