London’s Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, is reportedly considering the introduction of charges for large SUVs driven within the capital, according to a new document from Transport for London (TfL). The proposal emerges from TfL’s Vision Zero action plan, which highlights a "pressing need for targeted safety interventions" concerning larger vehicles on the city’s roads.
The Vision Zero plan asserts that the sheer size of large SUVs renders roads "more hazardous for everybody outside the vehicle" and that they "significantly increase the severity of collisions". This initiative forms part of Sir Sadiq’s broader commitment to eradicate deaths and serious injuries on London’s road network by 2041.
While there is no precise definition, SUVs are generally characterised as vehicles that are taller, wider, and heavier than conventional cars, often with lower fuel efficiency.
Despite their environmental and safety implications, SUVs have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with many drivers favouring their elevated seating position.
These vehicles now account for approximately one-third of all new car registrations across the UK. The Vision Zero document further claims that "oversized" vehicles, such as large SUVs, make it "harder for drivers to see people walking and cycling nearby", noting that children are "more easily hidden from a driver’s view". Startling statistics cited in the plan reveal that in Britain, SUVs are 14 per cent more likely to kill pedestrians and cyclists in a collision compared to other passenger cars, and a concerning 77 per cent more likely to be fatal for children.
A spokesperson for the Mayor confirmed the ongoing scrutiny, stating: "There is growing evidence about the safety risks of large SUVs, which are becoming more common on London’s roads. It’s a startling figure that SUVs are 77 per cent more likely to kill a child if involved in a collision."
The spokesperson added that the Mayor has tasked TfL with undertaking a "detailed analysis of the safety risks posed by large SUVs and their wider impact on London’s roads." This analysis, they explained, "could then inform any future policy proposals in London or recommendations to Government or the sector."
They concluded that "as the numbers of large SUVs increase on London’s roads, it is right that TfL consider their impact on safety and how they affect other road users." It was stressed that no specific proposals regarding potential charges for large SUVs have yet been put forward.
However, the prospect of such charges has drawn criticism from motoring organisations. Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, emphasised that all cars sold in the UK, "regardless of size," must meet "exacting safety and pedestrian protection standards." He argued that "singling out specific cars based on size restricts consumer choice and would unfairly penalise the many drivers who require a larger vehicle for essential mobility."
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, also weighed in, noting that "SUVs come in all shapes and sizes." He cautioned that "any arbitrary charge is unlikely to deter the ownership and use of the biggest, most expensive vehicles, whilst also adding an extra cost to families who need a bigger car for legitimate reasons."
London has previously implemented various charging schemes to manage traffic and pollution. In August 2023, Sir Sadiq expanded the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) to encompass the entire city, requiring drivers of vehicles that do not meet emissions standards to pay a daily fee of £12.50. The capital also operates an £18 congestion charge for driving within a central zone during specific hours.
