Andy Burnham has been told to "tax 4x4s", with heavy SUVs and crossover owners targeted under new plans outlined by experts. Tom Jervis, consumer writer at Auto Express, has stressed that the Prime Minister should look into a new "surcharge" on some of the heaviest vehicles in a massive change to UK road rules.
SUV fees proposed to curb vehicle size
He warned that while the benefits of family crossovers should not be overlooked, it has become clear that some 4x4s have simply outgrown UK roads. He stressed that introducing new fees aimed exclusively at SUVs would encourage manufacturers to limit the size of models on their production line, discouraging car spreading.
The idea could be a significant blow to 4x4 owners, with SUVs now the most popular type of vehicle among buyers. SUV sales account for over 52% of all new cars sold, with families likely to be among the most impacted.
Expert calls for French-style surcharge
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Tom said: "The ideal solution would be a tax surcharge for the heaviest vehicles, like in France. This would discourage the largest and most gas-guzzling 4x4s while simultaneously earning the Government a little extra cash."
"A higher weight threshold for EVs and hybrids would help encourage the EV transition and protect typical family cars, while targeting oversized SUVs which should help encourage manufacturers to limit the size and weight of the models they produce."
Local councils consider SUV charges
Although this is only a policy suggestion for Mr Burnham, the idea of extra fees for SUV owners has already taken off in the UK. Bath and North East Somerset Council is already considering the SUV tax, with officials looking into whether owners of larger cars could pay higher resident parking fees.
Councillor Joel Hirst, cabinet member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, previously said: "Higher charges for larger vehicles and discounts for smaller ones will encourage more people to use safer, smaller and cleaner vehicles, which will also help improve air quality."
London mayor considers safety impact
Sadiq Khan has not ruled out the introduction of SUV fees in London, explaining that it was right to "consider" their impact on safety. Mr Khan stressed that SUVs were 14% more likely to fatally harm people in a collision, with the number of large vehicles "growing significantly" over the past 20 years. The Mayor explained that Transport for London (TfL) has been tasked with undertaking an analysis of the challenges posed by oversized cars which could "inform any future policy proposals".
