Carspreading sparks policy clash as cities weigh limits on large vehicles

Carspreading is on the rise in the United Kingdom and across Europe, and some cities are responding with charges and rules aimed at the heaviest vehicles. In Paris, city authorities tightened on street parking for visiting heavy vehicles in October 2024, tripling prices for a one-hour stay in the city center and lifting six-hour charges substantially. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said larger vehicles pollute more and that higher charges would accelerate the capital’s environmental transition. A few months later, city officials said the share of very heavy cars parking on streets had fallen by about two-thirds. In Wales, Cardiff council has moved to raise parking permit costs for cars weighing more than 2,400 kg, with plans to lower the weight threshold over time. Other local authorities in the United Kingdom and across Europe are weighing similar steps.

There is no single answer to whether cars are getting bigger or roads are narrowing, but data show a persistent drift toward larger dimensions and greater curb appeal for sport utility models. Since 2018, the average width of new models on sale in the United Kingdom rose from 182 cm to 187.5 cm, while the average weight climbed from 1,365 kg to 1,592 kg. In Europe, the International Council on Clean Transportation found that average car width grew by nearly 10 cm between 2001 and 2020, with length increasing by more than 19 cm. SUVs, long a target of critics, now dominate many markets: their share rose from 13.2% of the European market in 2011 to an estimated 59% by 2025. Critics argue that this is out of step with Britain’s crowded, often narrow roads, while supporters point to perceived safety benefits and practical space for families.\n "Everyone I’ve spoken to who has bought an SUV says they like being higher up, they like better visibility, and they feel safer on motorways and bigger roads. It’s often better for people with kids to get them in and out of the car with that extra height," says Rachel Burgess, editor of Autocar magazine. Lucia Barbato, who lives in West Sussex, says her second-hand Lexus RX450 SUV — a hybrid model — is vital for transporting her large family: "On a Monday morning with three boys, three school bags, three sports kits, and a trumpet thrown in the boot there isn’t even room in the car for the dog!".

Manufacturers have responded to demand with expanded SUV lineups. Porsche, known for its sports cars, relies on the Cayenne and Macan as top sellers, while Bentley’s Bentayga accounted for a large share of its sales last year. Lamborghini has grown its Urus, and overall, larger cars can offer higher profit margins because of the way costs are allocated in manufacturing. Daniele Ministeri of JATO Dynamics notes that many SUVs share the same basic structures as conventional models, allowing automakers to command premium prices without proportionally higher costs. In other words, the economics of scale reinforce the popularity of bigger vehicles.

The safety debate is more nuanced. Taller, higher cars can improve occupant protection, but critics argue they are less safe for pedestrians and cyclists. Tim Dexter, vehicles policy manager at Transport & Environment (T&E), warns that higher bonnets can increase the severity of injuries to vulnerable road users. Belgium’s 2023 Vias Institute study suggested that a 10 cm rise in bonnet height could raise the risk of severe injuries to pedestrians and cyclists by about 27%. Alex Thompson of Thatcham Research notes that while vehicle design has advanced, the trade-off between occupant protection and risk to others remains a pressing concern. Some manufacturers have begun adding external airbags and other measures to mitigate risks to vulnerable users.

From an environmental perspective, the trend toward heavier and less efficient vehicles has constrained gains in energy efficiency. The International Energy Agency has said that despite advances in fuel efficiency and electrification, the shift to heavier, less efficient SUVs has largely offset improvements achieved elsewhere in the passenger car fleet. While electric powertrains offer potential emissions reductions, the total environmental benefit depends on how the electricity is produced. SUVs marketed as zero-emission at the point of use now account for a portion of the market, but overall SUV CO2 emissions have come under renewed scrutiny as the segment grows. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders notes that a sizable share of SUVs are now zero-emission, even as overall emissions from the segment face continued debate about real-world performance and lifecycle impacts.

Policy makers have pointed to tax and policy tools as possible levers to rebalance vehicle choice. France already imposes extra registration taxes on cars that weigh more than 1,600 kg, with penalties rising in bands beyond 2,100 kg. The current scheme adds significant costs across the highest weight bands and is designed to push buyers toward lighter models and electrified powertrains. Transport policy researchers and campaign groups say similar levies in the United Kingdom could steer demand toward smaller, more nimble city cars or smaller electric vehicles, though observers caution that market viability for affordable, compact EVs remains a challenge. Tim Dexter argues that the UK should consider higher taxes on larger cars to reflect their road, congestion and emissions impacts, while David Leggett of Just Auto suggests targeted tax incentives could encourage consumers to opt for smaller vehicles in urban areas.

Market dynamics are already responding with a wave of small electric vehicles entering the lineup. Models such as BYD’s Dolphin Surf, Leapmotor International’s T03, Hyundai’s Inster, and Renault’s new Renault 5 are being positioned as affordable city cars with compact footprints. Additional entrants, including Kia’s EV2 and VW’s ID Polo, are expected to broaden options for urban buyers who want lower running costs and easier parking. For now, SUVs still dominate, but industry observers say small cars are likely to rebound as manufacturers refine cost structures and scale for electric city cars. Burgess adds that everything in the market is cyclical and trends move in waves, suggesting that a lower-cost, higher-efficiency city car could regain momentum as the EV market matures.

Ultimately, the carspreading trend highlights a tension between consumer demand for practicality and safety, and the need to reduce congestion and emissions in cities. Authorities are experimenting with pricing, zoning, and vehicle weight rules as part of broader climate and mobility strategies, while automakers balance consumer preferences with the economics of producing a wide range of models. The debate is likely to continue as cities test new tools to shape the vehicle mix on urban streets.