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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
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Observer editorial

The Observer view on SUVs: they are too dangerous and too big, their drivers should be made to pay

An SUV dwarfs a tiny Fiat 500 on a London street.
An SUV dwarfs a tiny Fiat 500 on a London street. Photograph: Richard Baker/Alamy

Britain is facing an unusual crisis: carspreading. Our road vehicles are getting bigger as people buy more and more SUVs of increasing dimensions and weight. At the same time, our streets and parking places remain the same size.

The consequences of this uncontrolled vehicular expansion have become profound. Potholes are being created in greater numbers as our roads are pounded by heavier vehicles; multiple parking spaces are being taken over by single, giant cars; and road accidents are now producing more severe injuries to drivers and passengers of other vehicles. This last issue is of particular concern.

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