Why Some Popular Cars Are Now Banned from UK Council Car Parks

 

If you drive a bigger premium car like a Tesla Model S, BMW 7 Series, or even the new Kia EV9, you should check the small print before you park in a council-run car park. A new wave of parking restrictions is emerging across the UK, catching many drivers out.

 

The issue? Size. Some of the most popular luxury and electric cars on British roads today are too long to fit into the standard parking bays provided by local authorities. In response, several councils have quietly introduced rules that ban vehicles over 5 metres in length from using their car parks altogether.

 

It's a topic causing debate among motorists, especially as cars continue to get bigger and the UK's parking infrastructure hasn't changed. So why are these bans being introduced, which cars are affected, and what does it all mean for drivers?  

 

Let's break it down.

 

The Rule Behind the Restrictions

 

Most council-run car parks in the UK were built to standard dimensions. The average parking bay is around 4.8 metres long, with just enough clearance to allow safe access and space between vehicles.

 

However, a growing number of cars in the country now exceed this size. Many large SUVs, executive saloons, and electric vehicles can reach or even exceed 5 metres in length. That's where the new restrictions come in.

 

Several councils have introduced a policy that bans any vehicle over 5 metres in length from using their parking bays to manage this mismatch between car and space. The idea is to prevent vehicles from overhanging into access lanes or occupying more than one bay, both of which can create hazards and reduce capacity.

 

Where Is This Happening?

 

So far, the restrictions have been confirmed in:

• Wokingham Borough Council
• South Hampshire
• Broadland District Council
• West Devon
• South Suffolk

 

Each council has applied the rule slightly differently, but the core idea is the same: if your car is over 5 metres long, you may not be allowed to park in standard bays. Some areas have even included the rule in parking fine appeals and signage.

 

This isn't a nationwide rule yet, but the number of councils introducing the 5-metre rule is growing, and others will likely follow.

 

Which Cars Are Affected? You might be surprised by how many popular cars are over 5 metres long. While you'd expect a Rolls-Royce to be oversized, many regular luxury cars are on the list.

 

Here are some of the models affected:

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class (5.28m)
• Tesla Model S (5.02m)
• BMW 7 Series (5.12m)
• Range Rover Long Wheelbase (5.2m)
• Audi A8 (5.19m)
• Kia EV9 (5.01m)
• Rolls-Royce Cullinan (5.34m)

 

It's not just about prestige or luxury, either. Several family SUVs and electric cars are now close to the 5-metre mark. As electric cars get bigger to accommodate bigger batteries and interior space, this could become a problem across all segments.

 

Why Are Cars Getting Bigger?

 

The rise in car size isn't a coincidence. Manufacturers are responding to a combination of consumer demand and technological evolution.

 

Safety regulations have played a part, with crumple zones, pedestrian impact protection, and more advanced driver assistance systems requiring more space. At the same time, buyers have shown a clear preference for SUVs and crossovers that are taller and longer by design.

 

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are also contributing to the trend. With battery packs often mounted along the vehicle floor, designers must stretch the wheelbase and overall dimensions to ensure a comfortable ride and range.

 

In 1965, the average length of the UK's best-selling cars was just under 4 metres. Today, that figure is around 4.3 metres and rising in almost every segment.

 

The Problem with Outdated Infrastructure

 

While car design has evolved, the same can't be said for much of the UK's public parking infrastructure. Many council car parks still use layouts and bay dimensions from decades ago.

 

As a result, large cars don't fit neatly in a single space. This leads to overhangs, blocked walkways, and tighter parking for all drivers. When a vehicle unintentionally occupies more than one bay, it also creates problems for traffic wardens and parking enforcement. In smaller multi-storey car parks, the problems can be even worse. Overhanging vehicles can block turning points, limit visibility, or make adjacent bays unusable. For councils trying to balance limited space with safety and usability, restricting vehicle size is a practical solution.

 

Will This Continue?

 

If the current trend continues, more councils will enforce similar size restrictions. This could lead to many disputes and confusion, especially for electric or luxury car owners who may not know their car's dimensions.

 

Some are calling for councils to modernise their car parks to fit today's cars rather than putting the burden on drivers. Others argue that 'size-based' bans are necessary to keep parking functional and safe for most users.

 

Either way, drivers of longer vehicles may need to pay more attention to signage and local regulations before parking in a public bay. A simple mistake could result in a fine or having to turn around and find alternative parking altogether.

 

What Can I Do?

 

If you think your car might be affected by these new rules, here are a few quick tips to stay ahead:

• Know your car's length: You can find this in the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website.
• Check local council parking rules: Check if size restrictions apply before parking in unknown areas, especially in smaller boroughs or historic towns.
• Consider alternative parking: Larger shopping centres and retail parks often have bigger bays than older council-run facilities.
• Use apps with car park info: Some apps now include bay size and restrictions, helping you avoid nasty surprises.

 

Conclusion

 

As UK roads evolve, the gap between modern car design and legacy infrastructure becomes more apparent. Parking bay restrictions for oversized vehicles are the latest sign of that divide.

 

Whether you drive a luxury saloon, a premium electric SUV or a longer-than-average family car, be aware of how your local council responds to this change.

 

Some planning could save you time, money and frustration, especially if your car is over 5 metres.

 

Sources - Daily Record - Seven popular cars banned parking

RAC - Is your car too big to park in public car parks?