Finding it harder to park your car these days? Don’t worry, it’s not just you. Cars are getting bigger, while some car parking operators are squeezing spaces smaller.
In a phenomenon known as ‘Autobesity’, cars have been increasing in size while the average parking space has stayed the same. A 2023 study by regulatory body Which? found that 161 common vehicles are too big for the average parking space, some in length and others in width.
For perspective, a 1974 Volkswagen Golf was around 1.6m wide. Newer models now measure closer to 1.8m, according to a study by Halfords and G3 Pro. The BMW 3 Series has similarly grown over the decades.
You might have also noticed more SUVs on the road. Statistics from the Transport Environment Organisation find that SUV sales increased by 23% between 2022 and 2023. In 2026, it seems the trend is here to stay. A separate study shows that cars are getting 1cm wider every year.
So, why is this happening? In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind the change.
Why are cars getting bigger?
- Profit Margins: Manufacturers now place more resource behind SUVs because their profit margins are 40-60% higher.
- Fashion Trends & Americanisation: In the past, producers would ship smaller cars to Europe and save bigger models for the US. The gap is getting smaller now, with many American-style cars popular with British people.
- Safety Regulations: Modern crash safety standards want vehicles to have larger crumple zones and protection features. These needs tend to bring wider, taller, and heavier cars to meet regulations.
Why are parking spaces too small?
GOV.UK parking standards state that the minimum parking bay should be 1.8m, and these rules have been unchanged for many years. These rules were consolidated in 2016, and even then, SUVs and car bloat were nowhere near as popular as they are now. Although wider bays are being built in some newer developments, most of the UK’s car parks are built around this size.
That means:
- Tighter squeezes
- More scuffed paintwork
- Frustrated drivers.
EU vs. UK parking spaces
Across Europe, things aren’t much better. Countries like France and Spain use similar parking bay sizes, often starting at just 2.2 to 2.3 metres wide. Rules and recommendations vary, not just between countries but also between cities. While some places have pushed for updates, changes have been slow and uneven.
In the UK, new guidance was introduced in 2022, suggesting bays should grow to 2.6 metres wide and 5 metres long, about an 8-10% increase. But parking space sizes are usually set by local councils, not the government. As a result, the new rules haven’t been adopted everywhere. Some councils stick to the old minimums, while others allow bay widths to range from 1.8 to 3 metres. This inconsistency makes life harder for drivers and tougher to enforce.
How to park a larger car in a tight space
Parking an SUV or larger car in a standard space can feel like a precision sport, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.
- Choose End Bays: Park at the end of a row when possible. There’s more room and less risk.
- Use Your Tech: Reverse cameras, sensors, and park assist features are there for a reason. Make the most of them.
- Go Slow: Take your time. Precision matters more than speed in tight spaces.
- Fold Mirrors: Gain a few extra centimetres and protect your wing mirrors.
- Reverse In: Reversing gives you better control and makes exiting easier.
- Know Your Size: Be aware of your car’s width, especially if you’re driving a large SUV.
- Park Further Out: More space and fewer cars means fewer chances of scrapes.
With these ideas in mind, you’ll be better equipped to manage the risks of UK roads and car parks.
Risks and dangers
There are far worse risks than scrapes and fender benders. While SUVs are considered safer for the occupants, this is mainly due to the perception of their size. A study by the New York Times found that a person in an SUV is 11% more likely to die in a car crash and twice as likely to roll. This is due to the SUV’s higher centre of gravity. Their perceived safety makes them more likely to take risks that cause accidents, too.
For pedestrians, the danger is even greater. SUVs have higher bonnets and flatter fronts, which make collisions more severe and reduce the chance of survival. Unlike low-profile cars, SUVs are more likely to hit a person’s chest or head rather than their legs.
In short, bigger isn’t always safer, especially for those outside the vehicle. Still, it’s easy to see why many people like SUVs. If you drive one, staying aware of these risks goes a long way. A little extra care in car parks and busy areas can help keep everyone safe.
FAQs
Modern cars are growing due to rising demand for SUVs, safety regulations wanting larger crumple zones, and higher profit margins for manufacturers.
Many UK parking bays are 2.4 metres wide and 4.8 metres long, though on-street bays can be as narrow as 1.8 metres.
Yes, many popular SUVs are now wider than 1.8 metres and can struggle to fit comfortably in standard UK parking bays.
‘Autobesity’ is a term describing the trend of cars, especially SUVs, becoming wider, taller, and heavier over time.
UK bay sizes are similar to European ones but vary by location. In France and Spain, bays often start at 2.2 metres wide.
New guidance in 2022 recommended increasing bay sizes to 2.6 metres by 5 metres, but adoption by councils is inconsistent.
Use reverse cameras, park at the end of rows, fold your mirrors, and reverse in for better control and easier exit.
Yes. Due to higher bonnets and flatter fronts, SUVs are more likely to cause serious injuries to pedestrians in a collision.
