London Mayor Considers SUV Fees for Safer Streets

0:00On March 13, London's mayor is looking into charging drivers of large sports utility vehicles to enter the city. Transport for London Research shows these bigger vehicles create serious safety risks for everyone on the roads. The idea comes from a new safety plan aimed at wiping out deaths in major injuries from crashes by 2041. This Vision Zero Action Plan highlights how SUVs are far more likely to kill pedestrians in collisions compared to smaller cars. City Hall data points out there 77% more deadly to children. These vehicles also take up extra road and parking space, blocking views at junctions and making streets whiskyer for cyclists and walkers. Industry groups like the Society of Motor Manufacturers and traders push back, saying all UK cars meet strict safety standards with tech-like, automatic braking. They argue targeting SUVs limits choices for people who need bigger vehicles for practical reasons. Minors cheer the proposal, noting kids are especially at risk from blind spots under

1:01tall SUV fronts. They want higher charges and even national rules on vehicle sizes and taxes to make roads safer. TFL's new 5-year plan includes 43 steps like AI to spot bad drivers, more 20-mile-power zones, and a thousand extra pedestrian. Crossings Officials will review the SUV data closely before deciding on any fees, all to protect