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* From 2024 [[Paris]] charges greater parking fees for [[SUVs]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/11/paris-charge-suv-drivers-higher-parking-fees-tackle-auto-besity|title=Paris to charge SUV drivers higher parking fees to tackle ‘auto-besity’|first=Kim|last=Willsher|date=July 11, 2023|via=The Guardian}}</ref>
* From 2024 [[Paris]] charges greater parking fees for [[SUVs]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/11/paris-charge-suv-drivers-higher-parking-fees-tackle-auto-besity|title=Paris to charge SUV drivers higher parking fees to tackle ‘auto-besity’|first=Kim|last=Willsher|date=July 11, 2023|via=The Guardian}}</ref>
* A 2023 [European Parliament] report proposes introducing a new "category B+" driving licence for cars heavier than 1800 kg <ref>https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TRAN-PR-750248_EN.pdf</ref>
* A 2023 [[European Parliament]] report proposes introducing a new "category B+" driving licence for cars heavier than 1800 kg <ref>https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TRAN-PR-750248_EN.pdf</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 23:20, 19 September 2023

Autobesity, also known as car bloat and truck bloat, is the contemporary trend of cars increasing in average size and weight. The phenomenon has been observed in the around the world including USA, UK and Australia.[1] Debate focuses in particular on SUVs and pickup trucks.

Negative consequences

Negative consequences for air quality

Autobesity has negative consequences for air quality[2] because heavier vehicles release more particles from tyres and brakes.[3]

Negative consequences for road safety

Autobesity has negative consequences for road safety[4][5] because heavier vehicles have greater kinetic energy and taller vehicles are more likely to strike pedestrians in the head or torso.[6]

Large vehicles are more likely to hit pedestrians[7] when turning because they have worse visibility.

Negative consequences for parking

Autobesity causes problems for parking because big vehicles do not fit in typical parking spaces.[8]

Explanations

An individual driver may choose a large car for personal safety, though it threatens other road users. This in turn pushes others to choose large cars, a vicious circle.[9] A US National Safety Council expert described autobesity as an "arms race".[10]

Government actions to counter autobesity

  • From 2024 Paris charges greater parking fees for SUVs.[11]
  • A 2023 European Parliament report proposes introducing a new "category B+" driving licence for cars heavier than 1800 kg [12]

References

  1. ^ https://www.smh.com.au/national/bigger-dirtier-more-dangerous-how-auto-besity-is-a-health-risk-for-everyone-20230803-p5dtkg.html
  2. ^ Fuller, Gary (September 8, 2023). "'Autobesity' on course to worsen air pollution caused by motoring" – via The Guardian.
  3. ^ Zipper, David (July 19, 2023). "EVs Are Sending Toxic Tire Particles Into the Water, Soil, and Air". The Atlantic.
  4. ^ "These Stupid Trucks are Literally Killing Us" – via www.youtube.com.
  5. ^ "Des voitures plus lourdes, plus hautes et plus puissantes pour une sécurité routière à deux vitesses ?". www.vias.be. August 30, 2023.
  6. ^ "Editorial: Hulking SUVs and trucks are deadly. We need to encourage safer models". Los Angeles Times. April 4, 2023.
  7. ^ "SUVs, other large vehicles often hit pedestrians while turning". IIHS-HLDI crash testing and highway safety.
  8. ^ Norris, Sian (August 26, 2023). "More than 150 car models too big for regular UK parking spaces" – via The Guardian.
  9. ^ https://slate.com/business/2022/11/suv-size-truck-bloat-pedestrian-deaths.html
  10. ^ https://slate.com/business/2022/11/suv-size-truck-bloat-pedestrian-deaths.html
  11. ^ Willsher, Kim (July 11, 2023). "Paris to charge SUV drivers higher parking fees to tackle 'auto-besity'" – via The Guardian.
  12. ^ https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TRAN-PR-750248_EN.pdf