Welcome to the website of the Alliance Against Urban 4x4s
Latest news: Stand up to Porsche!
On 20 February 2008, German luxury car manufacturer Porsche announced they were planning to take legal action against the new emissions-based Congestion Charge, which was confirmed by London Mayor Ken Livingstone on 12 February.
We have teamed up with Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and London Assembly members to create a petition opposing Porsche.
Sign now to register your objection to Porsche's actions
About us
We are a growing campaign that is uniting environmental, consumer, road safety groups and concerned individuals all over the UK. Our campaign began in London but we are now active in towns and cities across the country.
Through us you can find lots of constructive, creative and peaceful ways to deal with your frustration at the increasing numbers of big 4x4 vehicles on urban streets.
What we want
Our goals are to make driving a big 4x4 in town as socially unacceptable as drink-driving, to make people think harder about the effect of their choice of car on others, and to help bring in sensible policies to increase taxes on the most polluting vehicles.
These policies include increases in road tax and a higher congestion charge in London, as well as an end to advertisements for gas-guzzlers in the mainstream media.
Read more about our aims and find out why we are focusing on 4x4s on our 'mission' page.
Take action!
Sign our petition calling for policies to discourage the use of big urban 4x4s, and get in touch with your MP to ask them to raise the issue with the government.
Send drivers of urban 4x4s a message they can't ignore with our spoof parking tickets, downloadable from our shop. Email us for a free batch of high-quality printed versions.
Buy an Alliance T-shirt to show 4x4 drivers what you think every day. Order now while stocks last from our shop.
On this website...
We will endeavour to keep you up to date with the public and media debate on urban 4x4s and our progress in consolidating political action against them.
Mission
Our aims and demands in more detail.
News
Check out our blog and see what's in the news about us today.
Shop
Download spoof parking tickets and buy window stickers for your car or an exclusive Alliance t-shirt.
Climate change
Read about how our transport choices can make a real difference.
Environment
It isn't just climate change that suffers from the increased use of gas-guzzlers. Read about the
appalling record of the average urban 4x4 on local pollution and air quality.
Safety
You might feel safer driving the children to school in a 4x4, but do you
know that you are more likely to have an accident on the way?
Supporters
We are collecting messages of support from a range of campaigners, elected
representatives and prominent individuals. See what they have to say.
Links
Take a look at some educational and entertaining anti-SUV websites, everything
from the well funded and celebrity endorsed
Detroit Project, the antipodean
NOSUV, to the downright biblical
What would Jesus Drive?
Thoughts and quotes....
"We spend so much time talking about how the Government needs to respond to climate change and reduce emissions, we're always talking about companies being more responsible but, really, people's personal choice in the car their drive has as much effect as any government policy."
Hayley Rolfe, Founder member of the Alliance Against Urban 4x4s
"I do have to say that the drivers of these things in cities must be clinically insane."
Jeremy Clarkson - presenter, Top Gear
"When you see someone trying to manoeuvre it round the school gates, you have to think, you are a complete idiot."
Ken Livingstone - Mayor of London
"Four-by-four vehicles are simply not designed for driving in urban areas and to do so is irresponsible."
Professor David Begg - Chairman of the Commission for Integrated Transport
"If the majority of your journeys are in an urban or suburban environment you don't need a 4x4 vehicle."
Paul Everitt – Spokesperson, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders