Daughter urges Sadiq Khan to curb ‘monster’ SUVs after parents killed

Claire Corkery, from Dulwich, is urging the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) to implement stricter regulations on large sports utility vehicles (SUVs). Her parents, Sue and Tom, died in January 2024 after being hit by a BMW X5 travelling at 87mph on a road in Kent. The driver, Scott Gunn, was subsequently jailed for 16 years in 2025 for causing death by dangerous driving.

Ms Corkery described the collision as having a devastating impact, stating she was unable to see her parents' bodies due to the extent of the damage caused by the vehicle. She is now supporting the Carspreading campaign, which advocates for enhanced safety standards and testing for large SUVs. The campaign also seeks a ban on advertising for these vehicles across the TfL network.

Calls for National Controls

Beyond London's transport network, Ms Corkery is pressing for national measures. She wants the Mayor to encourage the Government to establish limits on the width, length, and particularly the bonnet height of new passenger cars. Campaigners believe these changes could reduce blind spots and improve road safety.

While acknowledging that any vehicle travelling at high speed can cause fatalities, Ms Corkery argues that the size and power of SUVs can exacerbate the severity of collisions for those outside the vehicle. She questions the marketing of these vehicles as 'family cars', particularly those with powerful engines, suggesting they are often bought for status rather than necessity. 'You might feel safer from inside,' Ms Corkery told The Standard. 'But it isn't safe for everyone else.'

Increased Risk for Children

Research indicates a heightened risk for vulnerable road users when involved with SUVs. A recent study found that children aged 0 to 18 struck by SUVs had a 77% greater likelihood of a fatal injury compared to those hit by standard passenger cars. For younger children, aged 0 to 9, the risk of death was more than three times higher when involved in a collision with an SUV.

Katy Heald, from Lambeth, shared her experience of her four-year-old son Ben being knocked off his bike by an SUV. Although Ben narrowly avoided serious injury, Ms Heald attributed the incident to the vehicle's design, specifically its bonnet height, which obscured the driver's view of the child. She described the event as a near-miss that continues to cause her distress.

Elly Baker AM, Labour's Transport Spokesperson on the London Assembly, commented that London's roads were not designed for the increasing size of SUVs. She raised concerns about visibility, road space, and the safety of children who may not be seen over the bonnet of these vehicles. Ms Baker suggested that a fairer vehicle excise duty system considering vehicle weight and increased parking charges for larger vehicles by boroughs could be part of the solution.

What Happens Next

Ms Corkery's campaign seeks to influence Sadiq Khan and TfL to implement advertising bans and stricter regulations on large SUVs. The Carspreading campaign is also calling for national government action on vehicle design standards. Further discussions are expected regarding potential policy changes at both London and national levels.