SUVs now half of new UK car sales as child death risk triples
Volvo no longer sells conventional cars in Britain, leaving families with fewer choices on forecourts
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SUVs now dominate Britain’s roads, making up 30% of all cars and half of new car sales in wealthy nations last year. The shift has left families with fewer alternatives, as manufacturers like Volvo no longer sell conventional models in the UK. Transport data shows the vehicles pose a higher risk to pedestrians, particularly children.
Safety risks for children
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The increased height of SUV bonnets makes them three times more likely to kill a child in a collision than a conventional car, according to transport safety research. Christian Wolmar, a transport writer, told *The Guardian* that the elevated driving position also makes it harder for drivers to see children ahead, increasing the risk of accidents.
Fewer choices for families
Volvo, once known for family-friendly saloons, now only offers SUVs in the UK. Freelance writer Coco Khan described the experience of searching for a used family car as increasingly limited to SUVs or smaller variants. Dealers showed her vehicles marketed with military-style branding, such as the Jeep Commander and Land Rover Defender, despite their primary use being urban driving.
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Khan wrote in *The Guardian* that even traditional estate cars and hatchbacks have been redesigned to resemble SUVs, leaving buyers with fewer options. She noted that SUVs now dominate forecourts, with some models so large they reduce available parking space when councils redraw lines to accommodate them.
What happens next
Local authorities can review road safety policies and parking regulations to address the impact of SUVs. Residents concerned about safety or parking availability can contact their local councillors or transport authorities to raise these issues. No formal review of vehicle safety standards for SUVs has been announced by the UK government.
Questions this report answers
+How many new cars sold in rich countries are SUVs?
SUVs accounted for 50% of all new car sales in wealthy nations in 2023. This trend has reduced the availability of smaller, conventional cars for families seeking alternatives.
+Why are SUVs more dangerous for children?
The higher bonnets of SUVs make a child three times more likely to be killed if hit, compared to a conventional car. The elevated driving position also reduces visibility, increasing accident risks.
+Does Volvo still sell non-SUV cars in the UK?
No. Volvo now only offers SUVs in the UK, limiting choices for families who prefer smaller or conventional models. This shift reflects broader industry trends.
+What can residents do about SUV safety concerns?
Residents can contact local councillors or transport authorities to raise concerns about road safety or parking impacts. No formal government review of SUV safety standards has been announced.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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