carspreading

Definitions

A tendency toward making and buying larger and wider automobiles.

derogatory, informal, uncountable

Examples

“If a car generates more potholes, takes up more space and poses more risk⟳ to others, then why even have⟳ it? Carspreading is a crisis we face⟳ in Britain. Our road vehicles are increasing in size as the more and more of us buy⟳ more SUVs of increasing dimensions and weight.”

“SIR SADIQ KHAN is under pressure to tackle "carspreading" by hitting bigger vehicles in London with even higher taxes and parking fees. In a motion passed by the London Assembly, the mayor has been urged to write⟳ to the Government to demand⟳ higher vehicle excise duty for heavier vehicles and tighter curbs on car sizes.”

“Even the term “carspreading” suggests an element of inequality – of taking up an unfair amount of space. In a decarbonising world where we talk⟳ about just transition that kind of space matters.”

CEFR level