Sales of 4x4 vehicles double in London
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Beloved of status-conscious parents on school runs, the cars now make up one in seven sold in London.
Designed for rough terrain rather than urban tarmac, Sports Utility Vehicle (SUVs) sales are up by 84 per cent nationally over eight years, but demand has doubled in the capital.
The figures were greeted with anger by safety and environment groups who say the so-called "Chelsea tractors" are dangerous to pedestrians.
Last week the British Medical Journal registered its conviction that they were a danger to pedestrians.
In the capital, the number of SUVs has risen from 88,882 in 1997 to 176,610 last year. Tests show that pedestrians hit by SUVs are less likely to survive than those hit by ordinary cars.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments