Are they really antisocial menaces?

They're supposed to be countryside vehicles and they use far too much petrol. In a heavily populated city like London, it's also a particularly wasteful use of space for one person to be driving them. I'm all for Ken slapping on an extra charge.

Stephanie Foster, 22, a nanny, from Norwood

I don't have anything against 4x4s, but I can see that they are not essential for everyone. I wouldn't use them for shorter distances where it is possible to walk, but many of the families I work for own them and I find them useful for school runs or day trips. Smaller cars can prove a bit of squeeze and public transport is difficult when you are looking after lots of children.

Lecturer Azita Pooya, 34, from Hammersmith

I don't think this is an issue that merely applies to 4x4s. Generally there is far too much traffic in London - most people seem to own a car - and too little space. We need to cut down on the number of people using vehicles altogether and encourage the use of public transport.

Property developer James Aston, 28, from Kensington

I'm hugely against them. I think they're ridiculous. They're a waste of petrol, energy and take up parking spaces. I think it's fine if they are genuinely used by people in the country to cross fields, look after cattle etc, but they are totally unnecessary in London. Although I'm against the congestion charge in central London, these large vehicles should be taxed off the road.