To think levying additional charges on SUV owners in London is a bad idea?

Nationally, HGVs don’t kill as many people as cars, and it’s not even close. Now, it may be that this is not the case in London, but I doubt it. So, if you know this is actually the case, simply provide some evidence.

you seem to think that hgv drivers don't kill more than car drivers - if its London then where are your figures to back that up - there seems to be a lot of hgv opposition due to deaths

i asked the above about London deaths, you have yet to back up your claim

Buses and HGVs do not kill quite a few more pedestrians than cars do

Bull bars? How many do you see like this on the roads. Exactly, none.
But you would be right about this example we used in the desert from the early 90s.

Ever looked at the front end of a post office van? Or maybe a supermarket food delivery van. Ford transit? Berlingo?

One is a high fronted, potentially heavy vehicle that could kill a child and there are many of them on our roads during the day. The other is an SUV.

Brava, @InveterateWineDrinker

Great user name, also

I grew up in a national park in southern Africa and have been driving 70 series Toyota Landcruisers for over 30 years. My eight year old DD is about the shoulder height of a zebra or a gemsbok and I can tell you right now through bitter experience that if they are head down within about 2 metres of the front of the bonnet and within about 1.5 metres of the bonnet's nearside I cannot see them. That's an absolutely massive blindspot to have in front of two tonnes of metal on a city street, where young children and pushchairs tend to outnumber zebras, when it is completely unnecessary.

For comparison, there is nowhere my DD can stand in front of either my Skoda Superb or my Dacia Jogger where I cannot see her.

Also, these bloated SUVs aren't just a menace when moving. Even when parked on the street they still create huge blindspots for pedestrians and other motorists.

People who say they 'need' a massive SUV in a city are selfish, self-deluded morons. Need a high seat because of 'back trouble'? Get a Berlingo. Need space? Get an estate. Need seven seats? Get an MPV or a minivan.

If you actually need off-roading capability, you're just not going to get it from a Range Rover with 275/40 R22 road tyres. Stop kidding yourself that you want an SUV for anything other than image.

This should be implemented across the whole country - SUVs are too big, too heavy (damage roads) and often driven by people who seem to be unable to drive them or park them without inconveniencing other road users.
People drive them because they feel safer but they're more dangerous for everyone.
I'd love it if people stopped buying them and moved back to proper sized cars.....

@FirmNavyCat seriously, the speed limit for most of London is 20mph and you want to reduce it more? SUVs can cause serious damage to pedestrians even at reduced speeds btw

Dont worry, its coming somewhere down the line. It has to happen because, as this thread shows, the general public dont give a shit about anyone except themselves.

Completely agree. They’re an unnecessary menace.

If you loved ones were not in an SUV which kind of vehicle would you prefer hit them?

Lol

I think they should be banned entirely from cities

When is there no other option? How do you think all the families without cars in london manage?

What is your source?

35 deaths by hgv, 16 by bus and 18 by car in London in 2024

even bus and car deaths are only that of HGV,

That chart 9 is for vehicle type in GB not London

Oh ok 😆

I’ve got one 😀

Question: what other options for 7 seater vehicles are there? I just googled and they all seem to be vans or suvs.

Can all the people saying the entire population of London has “no need” for these vehicles explain how we all transport our families?

My green credentials will beat most on here. Living in London it is rare to need a car at all. Day to day my family use public transport. However, when there is no option but driving, I need a 7 seater 🤷‍♀️

You can drive as safely as you like, accidents happen and pedestrians and cyclists can end up being hit by vehicles. So, if we promote pedestrian-friendly vehicles, we can save lives. It’s common sense, really.

The person should drive safely then.

I live in London and work at Heathrow. The first shift starts at 04.30 and the last one finishes after midnight. I can't get to work without driving.

My disabled mother would be trapped in her house if my brother and I couldn't drive her to the supermarket every other week. She can't get on a bus.

Not everyone can walk or use public transport.

Worth making th epoint that a lot of vans/MPV's etc have fairly short bonnets and high driving positions so there are fewer issues over visibility unlike SUV's

Obviously I do but I’m looking forward to the SUV owner paying for that privilege of me pulling over!

So I can drive round in a vehicle with Bull Bars, a bonnet that will kill any pedestrian I hit etc etc.............