## The Trend of ‘Carspreading’ in Europe
New cars sold in Europe are consistently growing in size, indicating a troubling trend referred to as “carspreading.” According to a recent report by environmental organizations Transport & Environment (T&E) and Clean Cities, if this expansion of vehicle dimensions continues, the repercussions will affect road safety and drastically reduce parking availability in urban areas.
## What is Carspreading?
The report outlines an extensive analysis of vehicle size evolution in Europe from the year 2000 to the present. It presented two potential scenarios for 2040: one where the current growth of vehicle dimensions persists, and another, termed “adequate resizing,” where policies implemented would revert car sizes to 2015 levels. The alarming difference between these scenarios reveals a pressing challenge.
## A Closer Look at Car Dimensions
Data collected indicates that the average length of new cars increases by 1.2 centimeters annually, while their height and width grow by 0.5 centimeters each. This expansion also affects critical vehicle parts, such as the hoods, which play a significant role in pedestrian and cyclist safety. Predictions suggest that by 2040, the average hood height in European cars could reach 86.2 centimeters, all contrary to the shrinking family sizes and the declining number of passengers cars typically transport.
## The Impact on Road Safety
The implications of larger vehicles are profound. As highlighted in the report, a taller hood often correlates with increased risk to pedestrians and cyclists during collisions. A 10-centimeter increase in hood height can heighten the risk of fatal injuries by 27% for adults and up to 81% for children. Alarmingly, the study estimates that without intervention, by 2040, there could be a 40% increase in deaths among child pedestrians compared to a scenario where vehicle sizes are limited.
## Parking Spaces at Risk
In addition to the safety concerns, “carspreading” is also set to impact parking availability significantly. The report predicts that European cities could lose between 8.5% and 14% of their surface parking capacity by 2040, primarily attributed to the uncontrollable growth of vehicle sizes. Major cities like London and Berlin could each see a reduction of around 100,000 parking spots, while Rome and Madrid face losses of approximately 95,000 and 41,000 spaces, respectively.
## The Automaker’s Dilemma
Many automakers have shifted focus toward larger, more profitable vehicles, leading to a rise in the number of bulky vehicles dominating the streets. Isabell Büschel from T&E highlights the potential danger posed by these behemoths on roads. Anna Krajinska, T&E’s director in the UK, characterizes this trend as a market failure, emphasizing that city councils are forced to adapt urban layouts at the expense of public space and safety.
## Perspectives on Vehicle Safety
While the report paints a concerning picture, not all stakeholders agree on the dangers posed by larger vehicles. Edmund King, president of the British Motor Association, argues that some larger designs can enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians. This perspective suggests the need for a nuanced discussion around vehicle design and safety regulations.
## Calls to Action
To combat the implications of “carspreading,” T&E and Clean Cities advocate for a series of measures from European regulators. These include:
– Imposing a maximum height of 85 centimeters for vehicle hoods and 192 centimeters for width, effective by 2036.
– Reforming taxes to penalize the purchase of larger vehicles.
– Updating safety assessments to better evaluate visibility for child pedestrians.
– Adjusting municipal parking rates based on vehicle size and weight.
## The Road Ahead
This important report emerges as the EU pushes for its “Vision Zero” strategy, aiming to eliminate road deaths by 2050. The gap between this objective and the current trajectory of vehicle size growth highlights the urgency for regulators and manufacturers to take decisive action.
Lucien Mathieu, T&E analyst, poignantly questions, “Where do we stop?” as Europe grapples with its evolving relationship with vehicle size and urban planning.