The rise of SUVs in Scottish cities is under fresh scrutiny today, as new polling shows a clear majority of Scots believe these large vehicles are unnecessary in urban areas – and are already causing problems.
The research, commissioned by the Clean Cities Campaign and released by Transform Scotland, reveals growing public frustration with SUVs, which critics say take up too much space, worsen air pollution, and pose safety risks – especially to children.
To highlight the findings, Transform Scotland is unveiling a bold anti-SUV billboard today (Wednesday, 10 September) at the Leith Walk Police Box. The striking “Carspreading” artwork is part of a public engagement event where passersby will be invited to share their views through surveys, interviews, and social media.
A YouGov survey commissioned by Clean Cities shows that:
- 59% of Scots agree that SUVs are bought more as status symbols than for practical use
- 61% of Scots agree that SUVs are unnecessary in towns and cities
- 62% of Scots agree that more SUVs will make parking more difficult
“SUVs are the least efficient and most space-hungry vehicles on the road – yet their numbers are rising,” said Rachael Revesz, trustee of Transform Scotland. “This is bad news for traffic, clean air, and road safety. The public gets it: most Scots agree SUVs don’t belong in our cities. Now it’s time for our politicians to catch up.”
Oliver Lord, UK Head of Clean Cities Campaign, said: “These oversized vehicles are not just swallowing our public space; they’re also far more dangerous, especially for children. The latest research shows SUVs are three times more likely to kill a child under the age of ten in the UK. We need swift and pragmatic action that discourages the heaviest and most dangerous SUVs in our cities, as is already happening elsewhere in Europe.”
The billboard campaign comes amid increasing concern over the environmental impact of SUVs, which are typically heavier, higher-emitting, and more difficult to park than smaller cars – yet remain a growing segment of new car sales across the UK.
Transform Scotland is calling for councils and the Scottish Government to consider measures to curb SUV use in urban areas, from low-emission zones to differentiated parking charges.
Find out more about the phenomenon of Carspreading here.
