The Observer view on SUVs: they are too dangerous and too big, their drivers should be made to pay | Observer editorial

forRitain faces an extraordinary crisis: Carspreading. Our cars on the roads are increasing in size People buy more and more SUV with increased and weight. At the same time, our streets and parking are the same size.

The consequences of this expansion of unprofitable vehicles have become deep. Drilling is created in larger numbers where our roads are bombed by heavier vehicles; Multiple parking places are seized by one giant cars; Road accidents now produce more serious injuries for drivers and other vehicle passengers. This last issue is a special concern.

A study conducted by the European Transport Safety Council found that in a collision between modest SUVs the size of SUVs (a sports interest vehicle) weighing 1,600 kg and a lighter car of 1300 kg, the risk of fatal infection decreases by 50 % for passengers in the heavier car but increases by approximately 80 % for passengers in the light car. Likewise, pedestrians and cyclists are likely to be killed if the car that hits them contains a maximum hood than the medium, a model feature of four -wheel drive vehicles.

The problem is that the sales of these vehicles flourish. In 2024, they made up 33 % of all recordings, compared to only 12 % a decade before. This dramatic change in the use of our methods has led to the establishment of organizations such as the Compans Group Clean group calling for strict measures to impose strict measures on car owners. Their argument is clear. If the car generates more drilling in our roads, occupies more parking spaces and pose a greater infantry, cyclists and other car passengers compared to smaller vehicles, it is fair to push its owner more to drive that car.

Paris has already provided specific fees for auto cars for four -wheel drive vehicles. The drivers of these vehicles now must pay three times the amount of those who drive regular cars. London mayor, Sadiq Khan, It has indicated It will support this plan for capital and must be encouraged to follow the idea strictly. However, attempts to address the problem should not only be limited to parking. Nowadays, the owners of polluted vehicles must pay more road tax, based on the carbon dioxide that emanates from it, and the most expensive car drivers, including electric cars, have received an additional tax.

It may be necessary to expand these measures in the future, with similar fees imposed on the owners of SUVs and other vehicles whose sizes exceed specific dimensions.

Such measures can be avoided with a transportation problem that has already reached important levels to become a major crisis. It is an issue that must now be considered a matter of urgency.