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

[FirmNavyCat]

Saw this article in the Guardian yesterday and it's been prominent in my mind since I read it. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/mar/13/suv-drivers-could-face-extra-charges-for-driving-in-london

Sadiq Khan is talking about levying further charges to SUV drivers due to the evidence that they pose a significantly increased risk of fatal injury to pedestrians in collisions, particularly children. While on the face of it this seems like a noble cause, my belief is that policymakers should be focused on beefing up existing laws. Speed limits should be reduced on roads that have the highest number of fatalities, and drivers who cause injury or death should face tougher sentencing by the courts. I know SUVs are popular on MN (and are popular with mums in urban areas generally). They feel so much safer to drive compared to smaller cars. Also, should the worst happen and you are involved in a collision, I would very strongly prefer to be in an SUV than a smaller car. I'd want my loved ones to be in an SUV as well if I had to choose.

To the OP who states that SUVs 'feel so much safer to drive compared to smaller cars', I believe it's the case that the higher the driving position, the more likely the car is to rollover in a crash. So, despite your feelings of safety, your SUV is actually likely to be more dangerous for you as well as everyone else.

I’d like to completely ban SUVs in cities. There is no need for them and they are a massive risk to pedestrians, as well as the inevitable parking issues, and difficulties in passing them on narrow city roads due to their size.

Years ago we drove over Hardknott in a clapped out three door Corsa with four people in it. It was a bit touch and go to be honest but it did (just) make it.

Exactly!!!

I’d be up for it to be rolled out across the UK

Absolutely this. The amount of times I’ve been caught on roads where 2 small cars like mine would easily pass each other but we all get stuck as the suV is far too wide for the street to allow 2 cars to pass each other. The whole road ends up stuck.

cars should be taxed on size and weight.

That couple of inches though can be the difference between a near miss and a fatality. Take a pedestrian out at the knees and they’ll go over the bonnet and bounce (ouch), higher and it’s under the wheels.
It’s not possible to totally get rid of cars and have the roads public transport emergency vehicles and bicycles only, but at least putting some limits on the inflation could help. (Also enforcing speed limits. The good thing about 20mph zones is it means lots of people are only doing 30. But it could be better)

(edited to add a crucial ‘not’ before a possible)

I personally think SUVs are obnoxious and that people who drive them in urban/suburban areas are wankers but taxing people on the basis of being wankers although tempting is not particularly coherent.

Eh? 'Sin taxes' are as old as...taxes. So long as there is evidence that the wanky behaviour negatively impacts others - which there is in this case - then it's about as 'coherent' as you can get.

its worked in Paris

Three months after the parking fee increase, studies showed two-thirds fewer SUVs were parked in the streets, according to a report cited in a 2025 Clean Cities campaign update.

Its not likely to increase, as people sell/change their cars they will purchase something that is going to be cheaper

I would actually much prefer an outright ban on these menaces but if extra taxes is all that can be done then bring it on.

YABU it’s an excellent idea

I live in London (Zone 3 ) and do have a car. But NEVER use it in London when easy public transport is available, or into Central London. Sometimes the trains are messed up, and travel to friends east to west across S London can be difficult. I believe car ownership in London is lower than in other cities, and we don't have that think where teens learn to drive and get their own car straight away at 17.
I don't cycle because I am terrified of the traffic. I know - hypocritical, except I am a careful driver. Mad van drivers, lorries, etc on overcrowded streets are dangerous. I would definitely cycle in a city like Oxford or Cambridge.

Because often getting from point A to point B is a pain on public transport. I walk and use public transport 90% of the time but I have to ferry children to sports most evenings. From my house door to door by car is 15 mins, by public transport it’s an hour. Realistically we don’t have a spare 1.5 hours in the evenings and I any event they wouldnt make it in time.

same with going to my parents. 40 mins by car but 2 hours using multiple buses and at least 2 trains to get there. Just not practical. If you are close to a tube/train or bus which takes you reasonably close to your destination then absolutely I’d use public transport.

This.

I hope this measure is implemented as soon as possible. Let’s follow Paris .

Twats, thats what I think when I see these Chelsea tractor drivers who are nowhere or ever going to be near diffficult terrain 😂
It's hilarious watching them trying to park in spaces that were not designed for hummeresque proportions

I live in London and own an SUV and I think it's a bloody brilliant idea (as is the 20mph speed limit).

Three DCs and two big dogs and for some reason we thought we needed one. I hate the bloody thing. It's ridiculous in this city that really was not designed for traffic in the first place. We're getting rid of it as soon as the new Polestar estate comes out. I can't wait.

Go Sadiq! The sooner the better

SUVs are completely unnecessary in London. The public transport system is far superior to any other part of the country.

I would like to see a return to smaller cars and saloon cars (if you need boot space).

Do you? I'm not sure that's a common viewpoint. Most of us can recognise the middle ground between it being us or them.

Also buses and trains are pretty big but you never hear of SUV drivers using them instead because they're statistically safer. 🤔

Paris is now absolutely awful to walk around due to souped up bikes though. All the main drags have two way cycle lanes either side, full of motorised bikes which never stop, not for traffic lights or wheelchairs or anything. I'd take any number of SUVs, over that.

From a pollution perspective id rather have the scooters or bikes

YAB ridiculous. SUV should be banned in London. Totally unnecessary. Get people on their bikes and feet.

First sensible idea Khan has had since he became Mayor. If you can afford to run an SUV in London, you can afford to put your hand in your pocket.

SUV's are a menace and so ubiquitous now that people are genuinely convinced they need one if they have a kid, it's insane. I fully support this policy, and would support it being rolled out nationwide. I'm rarely in agreement with Saddiq, but in this case, good on him.