THIRD OF MOST DANGEROUS CARS FOR PEDESTRIANS ARE SUV'S

12.01.00am GMT Thu 3rd Mar 2005

Commenting on the new findings by Which? Magazine that found that more than a third of all cars that were rated worst for pedestrian safety in the European New Car Assessment Programme's (Euro NCAP) crash tests were Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), the London Assembly Liberal Democrats today renewed their call that SUVs should pay double the Congestion Charge to enter the zone in London.

Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, Lynne Featherstone, said:-

"These figures show that there is a high number of SUVs that are potentially more likely to kill pedestrians. With more pedestrians in city centres, it is time that the Mayor used the power of the Congestion Charge to encourage drivers not to bring these big vehicles into central London by doubling the charge for them.

"Sports Utility Vehicles in city centres are a danger to pedestrians, a potential hazard to other road users, can cause more damage than any other type of car and takes up more roadspace so increasing congestion.

"The one size fits all congestion charge is both outdated and flawed. The congestion charge has been a success, but it is time that the Mayor looked at refining the scheme."

Ends

According to the new Which? Report the cars classed as having the worst designs for pedestrian safety are below. Sports Utility Vehicles at the bottom of the list are Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin, BMW X5, Range Rover, Vauxhall Frontera, Jeep Cherokee and Kia Sorento.

THE BEST AND WORST DESIGNS (from Euro NCAP)

WORST

Audi TT 0%

Skoda Superb 0%

Suzuki Grand Vitara 0%

Fiat Doblo 3%

Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin 3%

Vauxhall Signum 3%

BMW 1-series 6%

BMW 5-series 6%

BMW X5 6%

Jaguar X-Type 6%

Range Rover 6%

Renault Kangoo 6%

Renault Vel Satis 6%

Vauxhall Frontera 6%

Audi A6 8%

Jeep Cherokee 8%

Kia Sorento 8%

Peugeot 607 8%

Vauxhall Astra 8%

The percentage scores indicate the degree to which a car's design will protect pedestrians from injury.