Major update on Sadiq Khan’s ‘anti-car agenda’ | | Tech News

Owners of giant SUVs could possibly be pressured to pay a charge to drive in London below proposals being thought-about by Sir Sadiq Khan, a new doc suggests. Transport for London’s (TfL’s) Vision Zero motion plan warns there may be a “pressing need for targeted safety interventions” over bigger automobiles.

It argues the scale of giant SUVs means they make roads “more hazardous for everybody outside the vehicle” as they “significantly increase the severity of collisions”. The proposed charge is an element of Sir Sadiq’s efforts to get rid of deaths and severe accidents on London’s roads by 2041.

Conservatives at London’s City Hall dismissed the thought as “ridiculous”. They mentioned the Vision Zero plan was more about Sir Sadiq’s “anti-car agenda” somewhat than attempting to keep Londoners protected.

There is no particular definition of an SUV within the plan, however it’s a time period given to automobiles that are usually taller, wider and heavier than conventional automobiles. They are additionally much less fuel-efficient.

Having grown in recognition over current years, drivers favour their larger seating place. SUVs account for about a third of all new car registrations within the UK.

The Vision Zero doc claimed “oversized” automobiles corresponding to giant SUVs make it “harder for drivers to see people walking and cycling nearby”, including that kids are “more easily hidden from a driver’s view”.

It acknowledged that in Britain, SUVs are 14% more more likely to kill pedestrians and cyclists than different passenger automobiles if there may be a collision, and 77% more more likely to kill kids.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London mentioned: “There is growing evidence about the safety risks of large SUVs, which are becoming more common on London’s roads.

“It’s a startling determine that SUVs are 77% more more likely to kill a little one if concerned in a collision.

“The mayor has asked TfL to undertake detailed analysis of the safety risks posed by large SUVs and their wider impact on London’s roads.

“This may then inform any future coverage proposals in London or suggestions to Government or the sector.

“As the numbers of large SUVs increase on London’s roads, it is right that TfL consider their impact on safety and how they affect other road users.”

No proposals about doable costs for big SUVs have been put ahead but.

Mike Hawes, chief government of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, mentioned all automobiles bought within the UK “regardless of size” should meet “exacting safety and pedestrian protection standards”.

He added: “Singling out specific cars based on size restricts consumer choice and would unfairly penalise the many drivers who require a larger vehicle for essential mobility.”

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, mentioned: “SUVs come in all shapes and sizes. Not all are the Chelsea tractor monsters that rightly raise an eyebrow when people try to drive them down tight city streets.

“Unfortunately any arbitrary charge is unlikely to discourage the possession and use of the largest, most costly automobiles, while additionally including an additional value to households who need a larger car for reputable causes.”

Sir Sadiq expanded the ultra-low emission zone to cover the whole of London in August 2023. This requires drivers of vehicles that do not meet emissions standards to pay a £12.50 daily fee.

London additionally has a £18 congestion charge for driving in a zone within the centre of the capital at sure occasions.