SUV bonnet height is a 'safety risk'

A limit on the height of car bonnets is needed as SUVs present a “clear and growing threat to public safety", accord- ing to a new report.

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The think tank Transport & Environment (T&E) said UK drivers bought a disproportionately large amount of new cars with high bonnets compared with the European Union (EU).

The study, which covered the UK, EU and Norway, called for the introduction of a ban on new vehicles with a bonnet height exceeding 85cm.

Under the proposal, the restriction would be implemented in 2035 to give manufacturers time to adjust.

The study found that the average bonnet height of new cars sold in the UK, EU and Norway had risen from 76.9cm in 2010 to 83.8cm in 2024.