Cheltenham Borough Council is reviewing parking charges for larger and heavier vehicles, such as SUVs, in response to rising concerns over “carspreading”—the phenomenon where modern cars have become significantly larger and heavier, stretching the limits of existing parking spaces.
The council aims to assess whether it’s fair and feasible to introduce higher fees for heavier vehicles in its car parks, following a motion put forward by Green Party councillor Jan Foster. Speaking on July 20, Foster called for a scheme that would levy increased parking charges on heavier domestic vehicles, while exempting essential trader vehicles.
“This motion addresses a new nuisance we’re calling carspreading,” Foster stated. She pointed out that similar policies are already in place in several European cities and emphasized that the focus is on vehicle weight rather than emissions, as heavier vehicles cause issues beyond air pollution.
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However, Liberal Democrat councillor Richard Lawler expressed caution. He highlighted the complexity of defining “heavy,” “oversized,” and “SUV” categories, noting that weight does not always correlate with size or type—for example, some electric hatchbacks can weigh more than small petrol SUVs. Lawler stressed the need for clear definitions and a thorough evidence base to ensure any charging scheme is fair and practical.
He also raised concerns about the timing of the proposal amid current cost-of-living pressures, suggesting that more detailed planning is necessary before implementation.
The council agreed to refer the issue to the overview and scrutiny committee to explore how different vehicle types impact car park operations and to determine whether changes to the parking policy are justified. Both Foster and Lawler endorsed this as a sensible next step.
Cheltenham’s move mirrors wider urban efforts to manage the challenges posed by increasing vehicle sizes, aiming to balance convenience, fairness, and sustainable use of public parking resources.