For every additional 300kg a car weighs, the risk of fatal injury to vulnerable road users increases by 30% in the event of a collision, according to an analysis by the Traffic Institute Vias of accidents between 2017 and 2021.
The impact is even more severe for cyclists and pedestrians. Being hit by an SUV raises the chance of injury by 90% and the risk of death by up to 200%.
So, what happens when these heavier vehicles start to overrun city streets? A recent report from Bruxelles Mobilité and Bruxelles Environnement reveals that more than 50% of new vehicles in the city are now SUVs.
Oversized vehicles invade streets
Spokesperson Inge Paemen, from Bruxelles Mobilité, highlights the issues posed by these oversized vehicles. She says: “The increasing size and weight of private cars aren’t just a climate concern — they’re also raising red flags for road safety and the use of public space in cities.”
As a long-time resident of Brussels, Paemen has witnessed first-hand how the trend is reshaping her own neighbourhood. She describes scenes of SUVs squeezing through the narrow streets and partially covering sidewalks, unable to fit into standard-sized parking spaces.
The reasons behind the surge in SUV ownership vary. Some point to a growing desire for personal safety — with larger, heavier vehicles perceived as safer for passengers — while others see it as a status symbol. According to the study, the issue is rooted in regulatory weaknesses and boosted by marketing strategies driving profit maximisation for private manufacturers.
The increasing size and weight of private cars aren't just a climate concern.
Whatever the motivation, the on the ground consequences are significant. From increased risks to road safety and pressure on outdated infrastructure to rising air pollution — even from electric SUVs — the impacts are hard to ignore.
Concerns rising about pollution, infrastructure and safety
“SUVs pose multiple challenges for pollution — and it’s not just about emissions,” says Paeman. “Heavier vehicles release more fine dust particles from brake wear and tire friction, impacting air quality, so electric cars aren’t exempt.”
Beyond pollution concerns, these larger cars take up more than their fair share of limited shared public space. Reallocating space to accommodate these larger vehicles would mean taking urban space that could be used for greenery, playgrounds, or other public gathering areas.
While SUV passengers may feel safer, the risk to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users increases significantly in collisions with these heavier vehicles. At a time when Brussels is working toward Vision Zero (meaning zero traffic deaths) by 2030, this trend is a major safety setback.
Balancing needs for a livable city
As spokesperson for Bruxelles Mobilité, Paemen is often at the fore front of public feedback. The growing size of vehicles, particularly SUVs, has fueled a rise in complaints about narrow streets and undersized parking spaces. But as Paemen points out, the absence of complaints from pedestrians and cyclists doesn’t signal indifference. “There may well be a silent majority opposed to SUVs, but without vocalising their discontent, it becomes more difficult for local authorities to act on it,” she explains.
Paemen observes a clear disparity in how different road users voice their concerns. Motorists are quick to raise issues about limited space, while cyclists and pedestrians tend to remain more reserved. This imbalance reflects a perceived hierarchy of road users, with drivers often seen as occupying the top spot.
“I’m not against cars, don’t get me wrong. But every road user needs to have their space, and the reality is that public space is limited. We have to make room for everyone — pedestrians, cyclists, cars, public transport, and even parked vehicles. Balancing these needs is essential for a liveable city,” she adds.
...the reality is that public space is limited.
Local and EU solutions
In response to this growing challenge, Bruxelles Mobilité and Bruxelles Environnement have drawn inspiration from measures implemented in other cities and countries to counter the trend of ‘car obesity’. However, being in a time of political transition, new local policy is currently at a standstill.
“The main challenge at the moment is that Brussels is currently in between two governments. As of yet, it’s not clear who the new government will be, or what decisions they will make. But there are different measures that could be considered,” explains Paemen.
One possibility is adapting car taxation based on vehicle weight, a move she believes would be a positive step. Another option is to revise parking policies, introducing a pricing system that considers the size or format of vehicles. Paemen also highlights the idea of restricting certain types of large vehicles from smaller roads, noting that “not every road is suitable for SUVs — small roads just aren’t made for them.”
While there may be some promising possibilities at the local level once a new government is in office, Paemen states that to truly tackle this issue, it must be addressed at the national and international level. At the European level, Eurocities is calling for a clear set of actions to put lighter and smaller vehicles on the market, recommending that the EU institutions address the issue head on by regulating vehicles’ energy efficiency, ensuring that imported vehicles comply with EU legislation, setting dimension limits and ensuring better consumer information.
Not every road is suitable for SUVs — small roads just aren’t made for them.
A key proposal is to classify vehicles based on their weight, ranging from ‘very well-fit to an urban context’ (<1000kg) to ‘absolutely unfit’ (≥2000kg), with an additional 300kg allowance for electric vehicles to account for the added weight of battery packs. The proposal also includes the possibility of an extra weight allowance or financial incentives for large households, which are more likely to own heavier vehicles compared to the general population to ensure social equity.
With SUVs now accounting for more than 50% of new vehicles in Brussels — a trend likely to spread across Europe if left unchecked — the stakes are clear. Local authorities and EU policymakers must take decisive action to tackle the safety, pollution, and space challenges posed by this growing ‘car obesity’ epidemic.
