Safety and space at risk as SUVs reach 30% of car market in English cities, researchers warn

The trend for giant cars has spread through Europe. Photograph: Crispin Hughes/Clean Cities Campaign/Climate Visuals

The number of giant cars in England’s cities has increased tenfold in recent years, according to researchers, who warn the vehicles are taking up excessive public space and posing a threat to public safety.

Analysis published by Clean Cities has found SUVs have gone from 3% to 30% of existing cars in the past two decades. In London, the number of SUVs has increased from about 80,000 in 2002 to about 800,000 in 2023.