To think the law needs to change on 4x4s and Supersized SUVs in Cities.

[JustMint]

Unsure how, but today's news is just horrifying, these vehicles really need to be reduced in numbers in residential areas in my opinion. They are significantly heavier than smaller cars (I know that's stating the obvious) but who really needs a 4X4 in a city?

One of those funny, slightly terrifying little niche laws @Flickersy.

Totally agree - in London the ULEZ cameras should be able to charge anyone driving a certain size car, to disuade people from getting the massive cars.

I think even a motorbike plowing through a picnic of small children could have killed someone,

I agree with OP 💯. I live in SW London and it is ridiculous how many massive 4x4s there are. They are dangerous, particularly for children, and I'd happily see them banned.

Obviously, we don't know exactly how this awful incident happened today but a lighter car may or may not have had the same outcome but generally there would have be less damage from a smaller car. I agree about electric cars as they are heavier which is a concern especially as they are so quiet.
A lad who lived a few doors down from me growing up was killed a number of years ago by a 4x4 with bull bars. It was decided the bull bars were what caused his death but the report also stated a smaller, lighter car wouldn't have killed him. People need to get past the mentality of these vehicles being safer. They're certainly not safer to any pedestrians, cyclists or animals!

You need a HGV license for a van over a certain weight.

Don't ban them just make the people who insist on driving them prove they have the driving skills. That would take 90 % of them off the road immediately.

An SUV is 8x more likely to kill a child in an accident than a normal car. Just read that again, and then argue they aren't a problem. They are exempt from some safety standards for passeger vehicles because they are classed as

trucks.

If you really need to drive a massive SUV in a city, then you should pay for the privilege of doing so. Many cities now have low emissions zones that old car need to pay to enter, and SUVs should be subject to payments as well.

You’re very welcome to visit me in the Welsh valleys and try getting around without a car. 😂😂😂

I'm kind of on the fence. If the school had proper bollards etc in place the car wouldn't have managed to blast it's way through the fence.

You cannot protect from everything. There was a bin lorry driver who had a seizure and mowed down folk In Glasgow too. So is logic going to band bin lorries? It doesn't make sense. But particular pedestrian only areas and proper barricades are probably essential now given my how many cars there are on the roads.

Is there a source to this?

They are exempt from some safety standards for passeger[sic] vehicles because they are classed as trucks.
You seem to be mixing up pickup trucks which are actual trucks and SUVs like Range Rovers which aren't and are therefore not exempt from any of the usual automotive safety standards for passenger vehicles, or else you are talking about the rules in the USA.

I got one in the end as I got hit TWICE by SUVs in my small, economical car. Of course it was ME that was bloody injured (and also not at fault). I literally drive one now so that I feel I am in a level playing field from a safety perspective. I do worry about kids though and these fucking trucks! Especially the electric ones…. Can’t even hear them.

None of the people finding it so funny and ridiculous seem to have a response to this?

The weight and size of the car literally does, see post above.

also no response to this post?

Nothing will change re cars but maybe fencing etc around schools should have a certain standard of reinforcement

Typical "something must be done" thread with zero actual practical proposals, a lot of wailing and mud-slinging and nothing to say how today's tragedy could have been avoided.

Perhaps we should ban all private cars from London? That would promote cycling, improve bus travel and reduce accidents and emissions.

For all the people who are commenting that they live semi rural, live in Wales, live on a farm etc etc, in the nicest possible way the OP made it clear she was talking about these cars in cities, so you’re opinion is less valid.

As people who live in these cities (not people who drive in and every now and then) we are saying that the number of these cars and where they are driven is unsafe.

Yes , if it hits a small child. Even at 10 or 15 miles an hour a small child is at the right height for the smallest of cars to cause devastating injuries .

Completely on board with banning all private cars in London. Sorry if that’s not the response you’re after!

As someone who lives in London and travels through it every day, extensively via various available transport methods I can see no reason for private cars.

We need a crash dummy scenario at the very least as a public awareness campaign.
I think this will put a lot of pressure on the government regarding road safety and car weights and heights.

Further advanced driving test to get a license to drive them.

I do agree they are more dangerous to pedestrians, I also agree that for example the ulez charge could do a lot more to discourage them in London. However not all suv are created equal, some are significantly bigger than others and it is the fact that some people do have a need, maybe luggage space, towing, needing 4x4, ground clearance, how do you judge who would be allowed and who wouldn't.

The issue with licences would also affect vans, it's quite big till you need a different license, all those supermarket delivery vans, yodel, dpd, post office- if you reduce the weight limit to cover supermarket you would also affect all of those.

I have to say though that the van that brings my Tesco delivery would have caused as much carnage are we banning those from towns too?

Exactly.

@Fightyouforthatpie I have made a practical proposal. You chose to ignore it.