New calls for ‘size limits’ on cars in London with SUVs under threat

Motorists could soon be facing “size limits” on London’s streets with heavy vehicles such as SUVs facing restrictions. Politicians in the London Assembly have demanded a range of actions against larger vehicles, claiming they are "clogging up” streets.

Elly Baker, chair of the Transport Committee on the London Assembly, stressed that officials should look at “placing limits” on vehicles. She also suggested introducing higher charges on certain vehicles in which could be a major blow to residents. Emissions parking schemes already exist in certain areas of the capital, with SUVs more heavily affected.

Speaking to the BBC, Elly said: “London's limited road space wasn't designed for the monster vehicles we are now seeing sold. 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." Politicians in the Assembly are already calling for Mayor Sadiq Khan to push the issue further.

They have called on the Mayor to write to the Government asking for policymakers to introduce tighter limits on passenger vehicle size and bonnet height rules. They also want to see Mr Khan ask for a new tax on passenger vehicle weight added onto overall Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) fees.

Finally, the politicians claim the Mayor should be writing to London Councils to explore the feasibility of introducing higher parking fees for SUVs. They claimed the higher rates would help to simply account for the extra pressure these vehicles put on parking spaces.

Caroline Russell AM, has also called for officials to tackle the “harmful shift toward bulky and hazardous vehicles”. Caroline added: “SUVs are getting bigger with every passing year, creating congestion, taking up limited space on our streets and adding to road danger.”

The Mayor has committed to “reducing road danger” but did not address whether any changes to SUV weight limits were being discussed.

In a statement to the BBC, 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."

Express.co.uk has contacted the Mayor of London for further comment.