SUV

DRIVERS of SUVs in England may soon face more stringent parking rules under a law inspired by the European Union.

Earlier this year, reports revealed that SUVs have become the most popular type of car in the UK – with sales data showing they accounted for a third of all new car registrations.

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Given their growing presence on UK roads, many believe stricter regulations are needed to address their impact on safety, air pollution and public space.

According to Birmingham Live, experts and campaigners are calling for measures similar to those introduced in European cities, such as Paris, where parking costs for SUVs have been significantly increased to discourage their use and reduce pollution.

An hour of parking for SUVs in the Paris city centre now costs €18 instead of the usual €6, whilst in the outskirts the cost is €12 instead of €4.

For six hours, SUVs will be charged a whopping €225 – around £195 – instead of the previous €75.

French newspaper Le Parisien reported that the new parking rates for larger vehicles in Paris had reduced the number of SUVs using surface parking by two-thirds.

The French cities of Lyon and Grenoble have similar rules, as does Tubingen in Germany.

Dr Anna Goodman, an academic transport researcher and director of Transport for Quality of Life, said: “SUVs increasingly dominate our streets. In just two decades, the share of SUVs in English cities has grown tenfold.

“In London alone, the number of SUVs has swelled by around 720,000. This has important implications for congestion, public space, and road safety.

“The evidence is clear that SUVs increase road danger for people walking and cycling, particularly for children.”

Oliver Lord, UK Head of Clean Cities, added: “The sheer scale of car-spreading is staggering.

“These oversized vehicles are not just swallowing our public space; they’re also far more dangerous, especially for children.

“If we want cities that are safe, breathable, and accessible, we have to get serious about tackling the rise of these urban land-hogs.”

SUVs are often criticised for their size, higher fronts and reduced visibility from the driver’s seat, making them more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

They are also blamed for contributing to air pollution and climate breakdown due to their heavier, more polluting nature.

The UK’s current best-selling cars, the Ford Puma, Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai are all classed as crossover SUVs.

But even bigger are the likes of the Range Rover, Skoda Kodiaq and BMW X5.

Barbara Stoll, senior director of T&E’s Clean Cities campaign, added: “A child is killed every day on our roads, yet cars are being made so large that children are invisible from the driver’s seat. How is that acceptable?”

“Thankfully, more and more city leaders are pushing back against car-spreading, standing up for what citizens actually want: safe, green streets without monster vehicles.”

A study of 2,000 parents has revealed what they look for in a vehicle for family getaways.

The Hyundai Tucson has been crowned the best car for family holidays, according to a recent study. A survey of 2,000 parents unveiled their top criteria when choosing a vehicle for family trips, and these factors were used to determine which models best fit the bill.

While many families would typically opt for large or mid-size hatchbacks for their holiday travels, it was the SUV that emerged victorious, with the Hyundai Tucson taking the top spot due to its array of desirable features such as ample boot space, fuel efficiency and reliability – all of which were listed as parents’ top priorities in a family holiday car.

The SUV stood out for its impressive features, including generous boot space (up to 620 litres) and respectable fuel economy, averaging around 38mpg for petrol models and 46mpg for hybrids, with even greater efficiency for the plug-in hybrid if regularly charged.

Additionally, it offers a five-year unlimited mileage warranty from new and is budget-friendly, with used models of the latest generation starting from just over £15,000.

When purchasing a car, 52%, do or would factor in whether they were likely to take a driving holiday into their decision-making. To help, CarGurus has put together a ‘Best Family Holiday Cars Guide’ offering vehicle recommendations and advice for all budgets.

Chris Knapman, editorial director for CarGurus UK, commented: “Family holidays often mean long hours on the road, packed boots, and keeping everyone comfortable.

“With this in mind, the Hyundai Tucson stood out as a clear winner – it’s extremely practical, efficient, and many examples on the used market will still be covered by Hyundai’s generous five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.”

“The Tucson is a quiet and comfortable car to drive, making it ideal for covering long distances. That combination is perfect for families planning to holiday in the UK or travel further afield,” he added.

This year Brits can expect to rack up significant mileage as two thirds plan to go on a staycation in the UK, with the Lake District, Cornwall, and Devon being the top destinations. Meanwhile, 16% intend to drive abroad for their holiday.

On average, those who use a car take two family holidays a year which involve driving. While 75% of everyone surveyed said they’re either ‘more likely’ or equally as likely to take a ‘driving holiday’ now than they had before.

Chris notes: “With SUVs tending to offer good practicality, it’s no surprise to see this body style topped the list with holiday makers.

“What is perhaps more unexpected is that you can find models from under £10,000 that meet the other items on consumers’ wish lists, including the possibility of manufacturer-backed warranties for peace of mind.”