Tim READ (Brunswick) (09:55): Melbourne has an obesity problem and it is killing our children. Let me explain: supersized utes like the Dodge Ram and the Ford Raptor are increasingly clogging the arteries of our narrow suburban streets and bulging out of parking spaces. But these truckzillas are more than just an inconvenience; they are more likely to kill pedestrians, especially children. Children are eight times more likely to die when hit by these monster cars compared to a lighter car. It is no surprise that pedestrian deaths in Victoria last year reached a 17-year high. These vehicles are deadly because of the ridiculous height of their bonnets. The average bonnet height of a Ram is between 1.2 to 1.3 metres, so they are less likely to actually see small children and more likely to collide with a child’s head or chest. A US study found that vertical SUV and ute bonnet heights greater than 100 centimetres are about 45 per cent more likely to cause pedestrian deaths than vehicles with lower bonnet heights. Likewise, a European study found a similar conclusion. The government must act to protect our children, pedestrians and cyclists from these lethal vehicles. We should increase, even double, the registration of these monster vehicles if they are registered to a Melbourne address, unless they have a specific farm, business or commercial purpose.