Mayoral support needed to help tackle ‘Carspreading’

‘Carspreading’ is damaging London’s roads, causing congestion on its limited street space, and putting pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers at greater risk of death and serious injury.

The UK’s cars are getting bigger by an average of 1cm every two years, with 52% of cars sold now too large for minimum parking spaces.¹

Today, the London Assembly has agreed a motion calling on the Mayor of London to give his support for putting the brakes on this growing issue.

Elly Baker AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“London’s streets weren’t designed for larger vehicles like SUVs, which now make up a third of all cars on the road.

“Their greater size, weight, and higher bonnets put vulnerable road users at greater risk, reduce available parking spaces, and cause more wear and tear on our roads.

“It’s time we took sensible steps to manage the impact of oversized cars and ensure our streets remain safe and accessible for everyone.”

Caroline Russell AM, who seconded the motion, said:

“SUVs are getting bigger with every passing year, creating congestion, taking up limited space on our streets and adding to road danger.

"We should be using every tool in the policy toolbox to tackle this harmful shift toward bulky and hazardous vehicles to keep Londoners safe on our city streets.”

The full text of the motion is:

The Assembly notes that: 

The UK’s cars are getting bigger, 1cm every two years, and with 52% of cars sold now too large for minimum parking spaces, this “Carspreading” phenomenon is impacting road safety, use of valuable city space and the condition of London’s roads. 

Large SUVs and 4x4s are characterised by their size, higher bonnets and greater weight than traditional cars. Heavier cars put those in smaller cars, pedestrians and cyclists, and particularly children, at increased risk of death or serious injury in the event of a collision.  

In addition, larger cars such as SUVs use more fuel and take up more of London’s limited street space than traditional cars, particularly impacting available parking spaces.  

As heavier vehicles, SUVs also cause more damage to roads. London’s road maintenance backlog has risen to £1.9bn, placing significant pressure on stretched local authority and TfL resources. 

The consequences of surging vehicle size undermine goals for road safety, air quality and put outsized pressure on public finances. The Assembly recognises the need for national action on this issue and notes the referendum in Paris last year approving increased parking charges for heavier vehicles.  

The Assembly calls on the Mayor to: 

• Write to the Department for Transport asking that they update vehicle regulations to introduce tighter limits on passenger vehicle size and bonnet height. 
• Write to HM Treasury asking that they introduce a progressive tax on passenger vehicle weight into Vehicle Excise Duty. 
• Write to London Councils asking them to explore the feasibility of boroughs charging higher parking charges to SUVs to account for pressure they put on road space and local parking spaces.

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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