SUV ownership in London has risen dramatically, increasing from about 80,000 in 2002 to roughly 800,000 in 2023. SUVs are described as heavier, larger and more polluting than other cars and are associated with greater danger to pedestrians and cyclists. Campaigners urge councils to take action to reduce SUV use, including higher parking tariffs and road-use charges for larger vehicles. Some London councils, such as Lambeth, are considering measures while Westminster has introduced restrictions. Parent-led groups emphasize the increased risk to children and call for policies that deter SUV use in urban areas.
There is no doubt they are very popular but is a city any place for a sport utility vehicle (SUV)? The vehicles tend to be heavier, larger and more polluting than other cars, and researchers say they are more dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists. According to the campaign group Clean Cities, the number of SUVs has increased tenfold in London in 20 years from about 80,000 SUVs in 2002 to 800,000 SUVs in 2023.
"SUVs are really dangerous for children," she says. "I'm a parent of three kids all under nine and when we are navigating the urban area there are so many really big cars on the streets and it's really scary as children hit by big cars are at much more risk. "The really worrying thing is this issue is getting worse as more of these SUVs are getting sold every year and getting on to our streets. So it's getting worse every year.
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