As any driver can attest to, parking in the UK can be a real nightmare. Parking in the UK is notoriously difficult thanks to more vehicles on the road, urban populations increasing and a lack of accessible parking spaces. Equally, many vehicles have significantly increased in size over the years, whereas parking spaces have remained the same. A Motorpoint survey recently found that 22% of respondents said the lack of parking spaces meant they were completely unable to park anywhere.
This parking headache has now escalated that much further, as some councils in the UK have issued a new rule banning certain cars from using certain parking spaces. This new rule will affect certain car brands more than others, with owners facing charges of up to £70 for simply parking in certain spots.
At least five councils have banned cars that are too long to fit in parking spaces with the new regulation officially stipulating what the maximum length is in order to have vehicles fit.
This new regulation will primarily affect vehicles like BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Tesla Model S, and Mercedes S-Class.
Kia, BMW, Mercedes and Range Rover drivers are also urged to be aware of these new rules.
Wokingham, South Hampshire, Broadland, South Suffolk, and West Devon are among the councils that have already implemented these bans.
Currently, parking bays measure 4.8 metres in length which is meagre compared to the size of many new vehicles on the roads today.
SUVs, for example, far exceed the 4.8-meter length rule of standard parking bays in UK car parks.
According to Autocar, written confirmation from these five councils have stated that any cars too long to fit into their parking spaces will now be officially prohibited from parking.
This will mean that any vehicles that exceed five metres in length will be permitted from car parks and includes parking in any of their council-run car parks too.
Although not yet confirmed, those who break these rules will likely face a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Interestingly, these rules will not apply to high-end sports vehicles which are excluded.
During the 1970s, the smallest spaces for parking bays were measured at only 2.5 metres wide and 4.8 metres long.
RAC added: “Most on-street parking is also significantly shorter and thinner than bay parking spaces.”
