Cut SUV use to reduce harm, says BMJ

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) has published an editorial calling for swift action against SUVs and larger cars to reduce harms from road danger and air pollution.

“Action is needed locally, nationally, and internationally to curb sales of new SUVs and to reduce their presence in urban areas” write the authors of the editorial. Examples cited in the piece include:

• the recent weight-based parking charge approved by Cardiff City Council which will see owners of heavy cars pay more for parking permits

• proposals for reform of Vehicle Excise Duty to include a weight element, to close the tax loophole that means large SUVs in the UK sell for up to £60,000 less than in some European countries

• including vehicle size information (like width and bonnet height) on vehicle registration certificates, which would assist policymakers as well as consumers

• changes to safety testing, such as Euro NCAP, to account for vehicle size when providing safety ratings. A 2025 study found that drivers of large SUVs like the Land Rover Defender are unable to see children up to 4.5-years-old standing in front of the vehicle, due to the raised bonnet typical of many SUVs.

“We urge health professionals, as opinion leaders in society, to raise their voices in supporting the health and environmental case for policy action.”

Feature image is a spoof ad posted in Southwark underground station in London by the Badvertising campaign as part of actions to pressure Transport for London to restrict advertising for fossil fuel products.