SUV drivers issued warning as third of people demand rule change

A survey has revealed that a third of motoristsare backing new measures that could see owners of larger vehicleshit with increased taxes. A notable 37% of participants voiced concerns over the abundance of SUVs on British roads, pinpointing safety as their main worry.

According to Transport & Environment's latest reports, there are 1.12 million SUVs registered in the UK, a 33% increase from 2022. Other reports revealed that SUV registrations might increase to 75% of all new car registrations by 2027. The study also indicated that 35% of those surveyed would welcome regulations leading to improved SUV designs, and 21% are in favour of higher taxation on these vehicles.

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Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, commented on the popularity of SUVs, saying: "SUVs have become the usual choice for most drivers in the UK who tend to like their higher seating position, adaptability for family life, and their go-anywhere image."

He acknowledged the growing safety concerns, particularly regarding pedestrian safety, stating: "However, our research shows there is a significant minority of people who are concerned about the increased safety risks that they bring, especially when it comes to pedestrians' surviving impacts."

Burgess stopped short of suggesting a widespread backlash but admitted it would "be premature to say that there is a backlash against SUVs, but there's clearly a high degree of unease about how common they have become on our roads."

The report also found that 19% support restrictions on SUVs in areas with high foot traffic, and 18% believe the automotive industry should do more to encourage the purchase of non-SUV models, reports Birmingham Live.

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Dr Anna Goodman, Assistant Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicineand lead author of the study, highlighted the risks posed by larger vehicles: "Our findings highlight that these larger vehicles are particularly dangerous for children, especially young children."

"This is probably because children are shorter in height and are therefore more vulnerable to the risks of being hit by vehicles with a tall front bonnet," she added.

Nicola Pastore, the founder of Solve the School Run, expressed her concerns, saying: "Every day I worry about my children's safety just walking to school. The rise in massive SUVs on our streets has made a simple journey feel dangerous.

"Parents shouldn't have to feel this way. It's time councillors stepped up with bold, coordinated action to protect children and reclaim our neighbourhoods."