More than half a million large vehicles currently operate on UK roads, which could pose a danger to pedestrians, prompting urgent action.
New analysis has revealed the growing reliance drivers have on larger cars, with the number of large, US-style pick-up trucks doubling over the past decade.
The analysis finds that registrations of SUVs have nearly reached 600,000 compared to just 308,000 in 2014, a rise of 92 per cent.
Experts have warned that this dramatic rise could be a major concern for Britons, particularly in urban areas with narrower streets, wider pavements and near schools.
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The report found that the 10 most common pickup models, including the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, and Nissan Navara, now account for more than half a million registered vehicles.
Research demonstrated that in crashes, pick-up trucks can be three times more likely to kill pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and scooter riders compared to regular cars.
Oliver Lord, UK Head of Clean Cities, said: "This boom in US-style pick-up trucks is lifestyle over practicality in exchange for parking mayhem and dangerous roads.
"City leaders must act to discourage these menacing vehicles from our streets. How is it acceptable to have a vehicle so tall that children cannot be seen?"
Reports warned nearly 600,000 vehicle registrations are now SUVs in the UK
| CLEAN CITIES CAMPAIGNSUVs are significantly taller and heavier than standard cars, with bonnet heights frequently exceeding one metre, making younger children almost invisible from the driving seat.
Jemima Hartshorn, Founder of Mums for Lungs, shared: "These pick-up trucks are built like battering rams and pump out pollution like chimneys.
"For children, that's a deadly combination - invisible at the front of the vehicle and breathing in the fumes from the back. No parent wants their kids in daily danger, yet we're allowing these trucks to become normal on our streets."
The data revealed how a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a larger vehicle can be 90 per cent more likely to face serious injury than one hit by a regular car, and almost 200 per cent more likely to be killed.
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The strategy detailed how "concerns that larger vehicles, particularly the emerging trend for increased bonnet height in SUVs, may have a detrimental safety impact on vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians, cyclists and children".
The data follows the recent UK Government Road Safety Strategy, which aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on UK roads.
EU safety standards have also been tightened in recent years, with regulations gradually improving since 2009 to include pedestrian protection against SUVs.
It has been suggested that the UK could look to consult on similar plans to introduce standards for larger vehicles which match European rules.
The report suggests that SUVs should pay higher parking charges to help discourage their use near schools | PAClean Cities has now called for urgent action to tackle the number of SUVs on the roads with its manifesto calling on the Government to introduce fairer parking charges for more dangerous vehicles, as well as increase tax contributions.
Most recently, Bath and North East Somerset Council launched a consultation on increasing parking charges for bigger cars, which would face higher permit fees, while people who drive smaller vehicles could receive discounts.
Councillor Joel Hirst said: "Thank you to all those who took part in the earlier consultation. We've listened to your feedback and have amended our proposals.
"We will now carefully consider the recommendations before us for further consultation under the Traffic Regulation Order process."