Seven in 10 UK drivers want wider parking bays nationwide as modern cars outgrow spaces designed for vehicles from decades past, a new RAC survey reveals.
The research exposes a mounting crisis in British car parks, where 49% of motorists have suffered damage from cramped conditions. Door dings and paintwork scrapes from neighbouring vehicles are now routine hazards, driving up repair costs and insurance claims across the country.
The root cause is clear: cars have grown whilst parking spaces haven't. New vehicles are 5cm wider on average than two decades ago, yet the standard UK parking bay remains stuck at 2.4 metres - a measurement unchanged since 1994.
The mismatch creates daily stress for millions navigating car parks designed for smaller vehicles. Drivers struggle to squeeze into spaces, risking damage to their own cars and those parked alongside them. The problem affects everyone from parents loading shopping to elderly drivers who need extra room to get in and out safely.
The RAC is calling for urgent action from councils and private car park operators to review bay standards. Whilst wider spaces might reduce capacity in some car parks, the motoring organisation argues the benefits - less damage, reduced stress, and smoother traffic flow - would justify the change.
The proposal faces practical challenges, requiring investment and planning across thousands of car parks nationwide. But with vehicle sizes continuing to grow and parking frustrations mounting, pressure is building for Britain's parking infrastructure to finally catch up with reality.