A British political party has called for 4×4 vehicles to be banned from urban areas as they intimidated other road users and damaged the environment. Is he picking on 4×4 owners or does he have a point?
A British political party has called for 4×4 vehicles to be banned from urban areas as they intimidated other road users and damaged the environment.
The reported that Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Norman Baker said 4x4s worsened the traffic situation and were dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists. “Manufacturers have identified that there are only so many vehicles they can sell to farmers and others who would legitimately use such vehicles. The slogans which they are using to sell their vehicles are aimed at urban users.
“There are real questions whether someone needs a two-and-a-half ton vehicle to nip down to the shop or take the kids to school.
“The consequences of ever-increasing use of these vehicles means that other road users often feel intimidated – pedestrians and cyclists certainly do – use of fossil fuels increases dramatically, and our small urban towns, particularly historic towns, are being overwhelmed in some cases by these vehicles.
“The whole point of these vehicles and the way they’re marketed is to give the impression to those who buy them that they somehow are getting more confidence, they’re getting a personality boost, they’re getting an opportunity to fight through the ‘urban jungle’.
“People who use them should think ‘if it’s never going to leave tarmac and always going to be used just for school runs, is it really the appropriate vehicle?”‘
But the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said 4×4 vehicles had simply become “an easy target for political opportunists”.
Al Clarke, spokesman for SMMT, said: “There is a danger of victimisation here. What’s next? Sports car owners? Drivers of soft-tops?
“People have to choose the best way to get around in built-up areas. Until there is a situation where there is a real alternative to public transport, people have the right to drive around as they please.”
What do you think?
