With vehicles growing in size, many drivers face challenges when parking in standard bays. This issue raises the question: Are parking spaces too small for modern cars?

UK parking spaces measure 2.4 meters in width and 4.8 meters in length. These dimensions were established decades ago when cars were generally more compact. However, modern cars have seen a significant increase in size over the years. For instance, the average width of new cars in the UK has grown from 177.8 cm in 2021 to 180.3 cm in early 2023, making parking in standard bays more challenging ¹.

So, what happens if your car is too big for the parking space?

• Overhanging Vehicles: Cars that don’t fit entirely within a bay can obstruct adjacent spaces or pathways, leading to potential hazards.
• Increased Risk of Damage: Tight fits can result in scratches, dents, or worse. The Sunday Times estimates UK drivers paid almost £1.5bn in repair bills in 2024 due to car park damage ².
• Parking Fines: Drivers may receive fines if their vehicles extend beyond designated parking lines or obstruct other areas.

Will spaces change?

• Redesigning Parking Spaces: Updating parking bay dimensions to accommodate modern vehicles can alleviate many of these issues. Some councils are considering increasing the standard size to better fit today’s cars.
• Implementing Size-Based Charges: Cities like Cardiff are proposing higher parking permit charges for larger vehicles, aiming to manage space more efficiently. This approach encourages the use of smaller cars in congested areas ³.

How Parkadoo Can Help

At Parkadoo, we understand the challenges drivers face with parking space sizes. Or maybe you just want to compare different cars side-by-side. Our platform allows you to input your vehicle’s make, model, and year to determine how well it fits within standard parking bays.

1. www.transportenvironment.org
2. www.driving.co.uk
3. www.thetimes.com