SUV owners targeted with new higher parking fees in one major UK city

SUV owners are set to be targeted with higher parking charges in a major UK city in a blow to those with some of the country's most popular models. Those stopping SUVs or other large vehicles will soon be charged extra to park in Cardiff as new rules were approved by the council's cabinet.

Under the new plans, those with cars weighing more than 2,400kg will pay more for a residential parking permit required to stop legally. Meanwhile, cars weighing more than 3,500kg will not be eligible for a permit at all under the new legislation. The Welsh capital will become the first city in the UK to introduce higher rates for larger vehicles after similar moves in Europe.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Iain Reid, Head of Editorial at Carwow said the rule could catch out drivers and consumers who are unlikely to be factoring in weight when making a purchase. Iain also explained the popularity of SUV models in the UK with demand for the models soaring,

He said: "Most consumers have little idea how much their car weighs and it's certainly not a factor they consider when buying one. What people do think about are things like efficiency, affordability, and practicality.

"According to our data, customer interest in SUVs is up around 20% year-on-year (September 2024-September 2025), far outpacing growth in hatchbacks (4.7%) and saloons (7.5%). Over the same period, manufacturers have introduced new SUV models at a faster rate than any other body type, with a 16% increase in SUV variants available on Carwow's site - proving just how popular these cars are.

"However, the term 'SUV' itself covers a huge range of vehicles from compact hybrids and small electric family cars through to large 4x4s. It's a diverse category with very different environmental credentials, yet all too often grouped together under the same label of 'oversized and highly polluting vehicles'.

"A Toyota Yaris Cross, for example, is a dinky SUV just 4.2 metres long and weighing around 1.3 tonnes smaller and lighter than some traditional saloons such as a Mercedes S-Class, which can weigh up to 2.7 tonnes. It's a good reminder that not all SUVs are created equal, and that any local council policies aimed at reducing congestion and emissions should reflect that diversity."

Council officials in Cardiff have explained that the cost of any price increase for SUVs would "remain negligible" in comparison to the purchase price of the models.

Last year, residents in Paris voted for higher SUV parking fees, with heavier vehicles now paying three times more to leave their vehicles.

A Cardiff council spokesperson said: "Cabinet has approved the principle of an additional charge for residential parking permits for vehicles weighing over 2.4 tonnes.

"These heavier vehicles typically produce more emissions, cause greater wear and tear on roads, and critically pose a significantly higher risk in the event of a road traffic collision."