SUVs are taking over Brussels' streets, study finds

Brussels cars are getting heavier and bigger, making traffic more unsafe for all road users, according to a study commissioned by regional ministers Alain Maron (Ecolo) and Elke Van den Brandt (Groen).

SUVs accounted for more than half of all new registrations in Brussels in 2023, the data showed.

At the same time, the average weight of new cars increased by 17% to 1,681kg between 2013 and 2023, according to the study by Brussels Environment and Brussels Mobility.

Recent company cars, at 1,711kg, are on average even heavier than new private cars (1,463kg).

The heavier the car, the more risk of serious injury or death for those who are hit by it in the event of an accident, whether that is a pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver in a more normal-sized car.

Heavy cars also put greater pressure on the liveability of Brussels, because while petrol cars have become more fuel-efficient, the drop in CO2 emissions is almost completely offset by the increased size.

According to the researchers, SUVs are popular partly because CO2 emission standards do not discourage heavier cars - manufacturers are betting on more expensive cars, encouraged by Belgium's favourable tax regime for company vehicles.

Recent electrification has not helped the sizing issue either, with registered electric cars weighing on average 570kg more than new petrol cars.

The study recommends adjusting taxation - the heavier the car, the more it would have to pay. According to the researchers, the extra tax could take the form of a smart kilometre charge, which has also been on the shelf for several years.

A "zone without heavy cars" is also suggested against "car obesity", or higher parking fees.

The study will be officially presented in the regional mobility committee on Monday.