'Carspreading’ is on the rise - not everyone is happy.

Theo Leggett   BBC3 December 2025
Critics call it "carspreading". Across Europe, cars are steadily becoming longer, wider and heavier.

Consumers clearly like them – a lot. Big cars are seen as practical, safe and stylish, and sales are growing.

So, why are some cities determined to clamp down on them - and are they right to do so?