Sales of SUVs in the UK exceed one million annually

Research indicates that more than one million cars sold in the UK each year are larger than typical urban parking spaces. This growing trend highlights a concerning mismatch between vehicle size and available parking, contributing to challenges within towns and cities.

According to findings from the Clean Cities campaign network, a staggering 4.6 million oversized cars have been sold since 2021. These larger vehicles not only complicate urban planning but also pose serious safety risks. Studies reveal that larger cars are deadlier in crashes due to their weight and dimensions, which often lead to more severe injuries for those involved.

Oliver Lord, the UK head of Clean Cities, emphasised the need for car manufacturers to focus on producing standard-sized vehicles that can be easily parked and pose less risk to pedestrians. As urban areas continue to modernise, it is essential that the vehicles on our roads are proportionate to the spaces available.

The rise of large SUVs—defined as vehicles exceeding 1.8 metres in width or 4.8 metres in length—is noteworthy. In 2024, a record 1,213,385 of these oversized vehicles were sold. Cities like Paris have responded to this issue by implementing higher parking charges for larger cars, which can be three times the cost for regular vehicles. This policy has garnered support from various city officials, including London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan.

Community members have raised concerns regarding the safety risks posed by larger SUVs, particularly in densely populated areas. Parent Harriet Edwards articulated fears that collisions involving these large vehicles could result in grave injuries to her family. There is a growing call for owners of larger cars to contribute more economically, reflecting the space they occupy and the environmental impact they impart.

The UK Green Party recently initiated a cross-party alliance in the House of Lords aimed at addressing the increasing presence of SUVs in urban settings. With escalating sales over the past two decades, it is evident that many streets and parking bays cannot accommodate the sheer bulk of these vehicles. Local councils in areas such as Bath and Islington have begun to adopt similar measures to those seen in Paris, urging a nationwide approach to mitigate the challenges posed by oversized cars.