Warning to SUV Drivers: Could Europe’s Tougher Rules Be Heading to England?

Experts warn SUVs pose increasing risks to pedestrians and cyclists, and rising parking fees in European cities may soon be mirrored in England.

SUVs Pose a Higher Pedestrian Risk

Because of their raised front designs, SUVs are more likely to cause fatal injuries in collisions, and drivers often can’t see children directly in front of the vehicle.

Paris Leads with Parking Penalties

Last year in Paris, SUV parking fees were tripled, resulting in a two-thirds drop in SUVs using surface parking—as cities take action on space and safety.

SUV Numbers Have Soared in England

In the last 20 years, SUVs in English urban areas have increased tenfold. In London alone, there are about 720,000 more SUVs on the streets now.

Experts Push for Harmonized Regulations

Transport researchers are urging the UK government to adopt similar measures to Europe’s—like higher parking fees—to improve safety and public space.

Public Space and Safety at Stake

Oversized vehicles not only threaten road safety, especially for children, they also consume vast amounts of pedestrian and public space in already crowded cities.

National Voices Back the Change

Voice for Quality of Life and Clean Cities campaigners argue that “monster vehicles” destroy safe, breathable cities—making reform not only sensible, but necessary.

Child Safety Gets Spotlighted

With a child killed on UK roads every day, city leaders are calling for stricter regulations on vehicle size to ensure children aren’t rendered invisible.

England May Follow Paris Soon

As SUVs rise, the UK may mimic European policies—levying higher fees or restrictions—to curb the dominance of large vehicles and protect its streets.