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by widerporst 1450 days ago
It absolutely is.

SUVs are unnecessarily large and heavy, dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists, blocking the view for other drivers, causing more wear to the street surface and take up precious space when parking in cities. And for what? Hummers might be an exception, but most SUVs aren't even suitable for off-road use. Not that most owners even need that.

So yeah, it is absolutely insane for people to drive a car that causes so much harm to other road users and society as a whole for no good reason other than "me want BIG BIG CAR" and so it should be taxed to offset these effects.

4 comments

You could also say it's insane to allow private ownership of vehicles. If we instead invested in public transit, emissions would be lower, transportation would be ubiquitous, and fatalities would drop immensely. So we should tax all cars, not just SUVs.
I'd also add visibility/being able to check the blind spot in them. Also, they generally drive like they're invincible. Just a pattern I've noticed, hatchback boy racer vibes. I generally ride my bike a bit faster than the traffic and I'll get passed like I'm standing still. It's not really kosher having vehicles like that and inconsiderate drivers.
Unnecessary to your lifestyle. You probably live in a city with no family and want to dictate everyone elses life which is typical.
Actually, not being murdered by a motorist is necessary if you want to live any lifestyle
People need large vehicles for various reasons, commercial and private life. If you're insecure with there being variety on the road, which there always will be, then stay off it or take the bus. Builders are not doing their job in a Prius and a family isnt taking a ski vacation to the mountains in a Camry.
> unnecessarily large and heavy. > for no good reason other than "me want BIG BIG CAR"

How do you know what my capacity needs are?

> causing more wear to the street surface

Presumably, they also pay more in fuel taxes and vehicle sales tax, which is the main source of road funding?

Do you suggest taxing all vehicles by weight for this purpose?