THE Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has criticised the London Assembly Liberal Democrats for a ‘hitlist’ it has published of SUVs that it says should incur twice the congestion charge of other vehicles.

Newly-appointed Liberal Democrat London Assembly transport spokesman Geoff Pope said: ‘SUVs are great in rural areas but in city centres they are a danger to pedestrians, a potential hazard to other road users, can cause more damage than any other type of car and take up more roadspace so increasing congestion.’

The SMMT reacted with indignation to the list, which it claimed was flawed and based purely on stereotypes.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: ‘The London Assembly Liberal Democrats suggest that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to the London congestion charge is flawed. Why then have they chosen to apply the same approach – the one size fits all 4x4 label – to produce a list of cars which they claim should pay double to drive in central London? It makes no sense at all.’

The list, comprising nearly 70 models, includes 16 vehicles not even on sale in the UK.

The Daihatsu Terios 1.3 Tracker is included in the list of vehicles that should pay double – but owners of a luxury car like the Rolls Royce Phantom 6.7-V12 would still pay £5, despite it being much longer in length and having much worse fuel economy.

Daihatsu Terios 1.3 Tracker
PAY DOUBLE FOR THIS CAR ...£10
Price (OTR): £8,995 OTR
Combined mpg: 36.7
CO2 emissions (g/km): 183
Length (metres): 3.8

Rolls Royce Phantom 6.7 v12
BUT NO MENTION OF ...£5
Price (OTR): £216,950
Combined mpg: 17.8
CO2 emissions (g/km): 385
Length (metres): 5.8