Larger Cars Threaten 14% of Irish Parking, 400 European Road Deaths by 2040

Increased average car sizes are reducing parking spaces in Irish cities and raising pedestrian injury risks, according to the eco-focused think tank Transport & Environment (T&E).

T&E estimates 14 percent of on-street parking spaces will be lost due to larger cars. In Dublin, this means an estimated loss of 1,700 to 2,700 spaces, with tens of thousands potentially lost nationwide. The research also projects an additional 400 vulnerable road users, primarily pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, will die on European roads by 2040 due to increased average car size, based on Eurostat and UK transport department data.

Lucien Mathieu, T&E cars director, stated car manufacturers prioritize larger, more profitable vehicles. The average bonnet lip height increased from 77cm in 2010 to 84cm currently. This higher front end means pedestrians struck by a car are more likely to be flung forward and hit the road with their head, leading to catastrophic injury and higher fatality rates, rather than being flipped onto the bonnet designed to absorb impact. By 2040, the average bonnet lip is projected to be 92cm, further increasing lethal injury likelihood.

T&E calls for EU legislation to limit car size, proposing a bonnet height cap of 85cm and a width cap of 192cm. They also advocate for national tax reforms to discourage oversized vehicle purchases and for Euro NCAP to include child visibility from the driver's seat in safety testing. Damien O’Tuama of An Taisce noted Ireland's streets are becoming giant car parks, reducing space for pedestrians and cyclists.