Elly Baker, the chair of the Transport Committee on the London Assembly, is among those calling for more action to be taken.
“London’s limited road space wasn’t designed for the monster vehicles we are now seeing sold,” she told BBC London.
“SUVs are clogging up our street space, making parking difficult, and the increased bonnet height and weight increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.
“We should be placing limits on the size of normal vehicles, and exploring increased charges where appropriate.”
The Assembly is calling on the mayor to take the following action:
Write to the Department for Transport asking that they update vehicle regulations to introduce tighter limits on passenger vehicle size and bonnet height
Write to HM Treasury asking that they introduce a progressive tax on passenger vehicle weight into Vehicle Excise Duty
Write to London Councils asking them to explore the feasibility of boroughs charging higher parking charges to SUVs to account for pressure they put on road space and local parking spaces
Asked by BBC London about its plans for SUVs, City Hall said: “This year, the mayor will be refreshing his Vision Zero Action Plan to restate his commitment to reducing road danger and responding to new and emerging risks on our roads.”
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders declined to comment – but the debate around SUVs in cities shows no sign of abating.
