Calls for urgent new parking rules on UK roads for larger cars and SUVs

Experts have warned that car bays have "not increased in size" with now unable to fit into spaces.

The UK's demand for SUVs means many road users which have not increased in size for around 50 years.

The UK guidelines for despite the size of models increasing.

Bays only need to be 2.4 metres wide and 4.8 metres long which is

According to , last year's top-selling car in the UK was the Ford Puma which is around 1.8 metres wide and 4.2 metres long.

While this will fit inside the dimensions of the UK guidelines, and open their doors.

The second best-selling car in the UK - the Kia Sportage - is also a tight squeeze, measuring 1.8 metres in width and 4.5 metres in length.

This gives road users just 59.5 cm and 53.5 cm respectively to open the doors, which falls to less than 30 cm and 27 cm if the opposite doors are opened at the same time.

Andy Syrett, UK managing director at YourParkingSpace, said: "While modern cars are fitted with an array of sensors to help drivers park their vehicle, this doesn't change the fact there are more larger cars on the UK's roads and that parking bays have not increased in size."

Non-SUVs are also starting to feel the impact, with modern Mini's around 75 cm longer and 32 cm wider than a classic design.

Meanwhile, a brand new Ford Fiesta is approximately 52 cm longer and 10 cm wider than its original model.

Richard Hebditch, director for previously over car designs.

He said: "The trend of cars getting wider has been progressing for decades, and that trend will continue until the UK sets stricter limits.

"Currently, we allow new cars to be as wide as trucks. This has meant our roads are now home to big SUVs and American-style pick-up trucks that are parking on our footpaths, endangering pedestrians and cyclists and making everyone else on our roads less safe."

However, Andy added that looking for other non-conventional parking options could also be a way road users can tackle the issue.

He added: "Bigger is better when it comes to parking spaces. Parking on a rented driveway removes the stress of manoeuvring in a small bay and squeezing out through car doors which can barely be opened."