Drivers of certain high-end vehicles — including models from BMW, Tesla, Kia and Range Rover — may find themselves unable to park in some UK car parks due to recently highlighted size restrictions.
A number of local councils have confirmed that cars which exceed the standard length of their parking bays are now being turned away from council-managed car parks. The issue stems from a lesser-known guideline that limits vehicles to a maximum length of around five metres, while most parking spaces measure only slightly under that.
According to reports, multiple councils have begun enforcing these rules, citing growing concerns over vehicle sizes gradually increasing over time. Despite modern vehicles becoming noticeably larger, many parking facilities still adhere to outdated bay dimensions that haven’t changed for decades.
One local authority noted that while the dimensions of standard parking bays have remained largely unchanged for many years, vehicle sizes have gradually increased in both width and length, creating a mismatch that is now leading to practical issues.
As an example, in past decades, the most common vehicles were significantly smaller. Today’s bestselling models are notably wider and longer, putting them at odds with traditional parking infrastructure.
Luxury saloons and larger SUVs appear to be the most affected by the changes. Vehicles like the Mercedes S-Class, Tesla Model S, and BMW 7 Series are among those that may struggle to fit into standard bays. Large electric SUVs such as the Kia EV9, as well as premium models from brands like Range Rover, Audi and Rolls-Royce, are also under scrutiny.
Enquiries were made about whether councils plan to adapt their parking facilities to accommodate the evolving size of vehicles, but no clear commitments have been made. In fact, five councils across various regions have confirmed that vehicles exceeding their specified dimensions are no longer permitted to park in their car parks.
One council outlined its criteria, stating that as of mid-2023, only vehicles under a certain length, height, and weight are allowed — with a few exceptions, such as for access.
Owners of larger cars are advised to check local council rules and signage carefully to avoid penalties, especially as enforcement becomes more consistent across the country.