Asger Risom
New proposals in London could spell trouble for SUV owners, as city politicians call for restrictions on vehicle size and new charges targeting bulky cars.
New proposals in London could spell trouble for SUV owners, as city politicians call for restrictions on vehicle size and new charges targeting bulky cars.
SUVs in the Spotlight
Calls are growing louder in the London Assembly to impose size limits on passenger vehicles—especially large SUVs. Politicians argue these cars are too big for the capital’s narrow roads and are causing a range of issues from parking headaches to safety risks.
Transport Committee Leads the Charge
Elly Baker, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, has become a prominent voice in the debate. She advocates for “placing limits” on vehicle size and exploring higher charges for large cars that “clog up” city streets.
Emissions Schemes Already in Place
Certain London boroughs already use emissions-based parking schemes, where larger, heavier vehicles often pay more. These existing frameworks may pave the way for more aggressive pricing structures targeting SUVs specifically.
Vision Zero and Road Safety
A key motivation behind the proposals is pedestrian safety. With higher bonnets and increased weight, large SUVs pose a greater risk in collisions. Officials argue that restricting SUV size is a necessary step to meet London’s Vision Zero goals.
Taxing Heavier Vehicles
Assembly members are urging the Mayor to push for national changes—specifically, a weight-based tax added to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). The idea is to make owners of heavier vehicles bear a fairer share of road maintenance and safety costs.
Parking Space Pressure
Parking is another pain point. SUVs take up more space, and local councils are being encouraged to consider higher parking fees for larger vehicles. Supporters believe this would better reflect the strain these cars put on limited urban infrastructure.
Caroline Russell Sounds the Alarm
Green Party Assembly Member Caroline Russell described the SUV trend as “harmful,” noting the growing size of these vehicles adds to both congestion and danger. She is among those urging decisive action against the “bulky and hazardous” shift in car design.
City Hall Stays Cautious—for Now
While the Mayor has reaffirmed his commitment to road safety, City Hall has not yet confirmed support for SUV-specific restrictions. However, a refresh of the Vision Zero Action Plan this year could bring these proposals closer to reality.
