The National’s April Fools story sparks debate on gaz-guzzling SUVs

On Wednesday, The National ran a story saying that the Government was considering banning 4x4s to cut the country's carbon emissions.

The banning of gas-guzzling 4x4s would be welcomed by environmentalists in the UAE. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

DUBAI // An April Fool “news story” about a Government proposal to ban gas-guzzling 4x4s in the UAE has sparked a debate among the public about the merits of the plan.

Yesterday, The National published the story about a supposed Government initiative that would come into force next year. Under the plan, 4x4 owners would be required to swap their vehicles for more fuel-efficient hybrids as a way of slashing carbon emissions.

Although most readers quickly realised it was a bit of fun, it did not stop many from entertaining the thought that it may have benefits if it were to become reality.

Paul Hughes, from the UK, said: “Even though it was an April Fools’ prank I think if it ever was to become law then there would be huge environmental benefits.”

Mr Hughes, who drives a BMW 3 Series, felt large 4x4s were beginning to lose their appeal. “When I first came to Dubai six years ago the number of Hummers and other big 4x4s on the roads was shocking,” he said. “But since the global financial crisis I’ve seen fewer and fewer of them on the roads.

“I would personally welcome any ban on them because they not only cause more pollution, they take up more space on the road.”

For environmentalists, there was a serious aspect to the debate.

"Congratulations to The National on this successful April Fools' joke," said Ida Tillisch, director general at Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF.

“However, it is not a joke that carbon emissions from the UAE’s transport sector are increasing and that there is a great opportunity for the country to make substantial economic, carbon and energy savings by using more fuel-efficient cars.”

Some felt the idea of banning 4x4s was fanciful because big cars were about status and halting sales would reduce consumer choice.

“It’s a good idea in theory but, in practice, there’s no way it would happen,” said Amir Al Hassan, from Lebanon. “The UAE is a place that gives people the freedom to drive what they want and that should continue.

“Big SUVs are as much about being seen as they are for their off-road ability, and that is something that I don’t think will change in a long time.”

Sarah Richards, from the UK, believed that although there were important environmental issues related to 4x4s, for many people they also served a practical purpose.

“I’m from London, and 4x4s are a big problem there because the roads are narrow and the parking spaces are small,” she said. “But in the UAE it’s much easier to own and use one, and at least here people actually use them to go off-road.”

Ben Curtis, from Canada, felt consumers would stop buying 4x4s once they became too expensive to run. “It all comes down to cost and if it becomes too expensive to run an SUV then people will stop buying them without the government having to ban them,” he said.

“But I have to say, if you’re a car lover then the UAE is the best place in the world to live.

“There is nowhere else on the planet where you can go to the supermarket and park between a Ferrari and a Zonda and then later that day see a bright purple Lamborghini driving past.”