Cars are becoming too large to park

According to research by the Which? team, parking in the UK is becoming more of a challenge. The size of a standard UK parking space has stayed more or less the same for decades, but cars, especially luxury ones, have got bigger and bigger.

The number of models too big for standard parking spaces has increased by 25 per cent over the past five years, with luxury models from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover among the trickiest to park. Which? found that 161 models were now longer than the standard space, which measures 4.8m by 2.4m. A dozen of these exceed the limit by more than 30cm. In 2018, only 129 models were too long.

Width is also a problem, with 27 models too wide to comfortably open their doors in a standard space, defined by Which? as cars giving passengers less than 22cm leeway each side when parked perfectly.

Which cars are the longest?

Which? highlighted three of the worst offenders below. These cars are 13.7 inches (35cm) or longer than the average length of a parking space, with the longest of the bunch – the BMW i7 – topping the charts at more than half a metre bigger.

Audi 8 – 37.2cm too long (the newest  version is 5.18 metres long in total)

Mercedes Benz S-Class Hybrid – 46cm too long (it is 5.25 metres long)

BMW i7 – 59.1cm too long (the newest version is close to 5.4 metres long)

Not only does this risk expensive scratches from other cars, it will also make navigating many UK car parks challenging, as they weren’t designed for cars this long. 

Which cars are too wide?

Which? did not find any cars wider than the average parking space. But they can be too wide to comfortably open the doors. The research highlighted three of the widest cars using the width measurements for the car’s body width only:

Land Rover Discovery,  with the body width measuring 2.073 metres, providing a slim 16.35cm space each side to open doors

Jaguar I-Pace, the all-electric vehicle, measures 2.011 metres, giving you 19.45cm each side to get out.

The BMW X5 is 2.004 metres across, leaving 19.8cm leeway each side in a parking bay.

Natalie Hitchins, the home products and services editor of Which?, said, “Cars are getting larger and larger, and while this might mean a more comfortable driving experience, it could be a problem when it comes to squeezing into a parking space. While some car parks are introducing wider bays it won’t be the case everywhere, and some drivers might struggle getting parked up in certain locations.”

The British Parking Association says multi-storeys are not easily adaptable because rebuilding is too costly. A spokesman added: “A good car park will have the right balance of capacity and efficiency, as cramming in lots of small bays is obviously counter-productive.”

Sponsored

UK drivers are being warned to check three key things before towing the caravan this holiday season to help keep them safe on the roads and protected from fines and penalties. Caravan insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk warn holidaymakers to check their licence, vehicle weight and insurance before hitting the road.

There isn’t a special caravan driving licence; however, changes by the DVLA mean not everyone is eligible to pull all loads without sitting additional driving tests – so it’s essential to know and check the caravan’s weight. Most drivers pass with a category B licence and should be eligible to drive a car, a small van, or a motor tricycle and tow another vehicle, such as a caravan, up to a certain weight.

However, drivers need to note the change in what they can pull; as of December 2021, drivers who passed their car driving test from 1st January 1997 are only allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) – less than half the weight (8,250kg) that older drivers can pull, who passed their test before January 1997.*

Caravanners must also check the car’s handbook to find its gross train weight (GTW). This is the total allowable weight of the car, plus the trailer and load. Checking the weight or ‘nose weight’ of a caravan is a vital part of any caravanners preparations. It can be done using a simple, inexpensive noseweight gauge to ensure the caravan is not overloaded.

Overloading the caravan can be very dangerous and cause damage to the tyres and tow bar. Inadequate tyres can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and up to three penalty points per tyre.

Caravan insurance’s not legally required to cover damages, but it is recommended.

Price comparison expert Lee Evans at Quotezone.co.uk said: “With a soaring number of holidaymakers continuing to staycation in the UK and an ever-increasing rate of caravan thefts due to shortages in the market. It’s important caravanners and their families are protected and do these three simple checks before heading off this summer – check the drivers driving licence, check the vehicle weight and check the insurance policy.

“Many car insurance policies will provide drivers with basic third-party liability cover for towing a touring caravan. However, with 4,000 caravans stolen each year, specific insurance to cover the costs of theft is the best way to ensure they aren’t left out of pocket.**

“Car insurance will also not cover a caravan while it is parked or if it sustains damage. This is why we encourage holidaymakers to take out dedicated caravan insurance – it also protects those who are victim to theft of personal belongings or fire damage.

“Vehicle owners also need to update insurance providers with full and accurate details, failure to do so may render the policy invalid and the holidaymakers unprotected. Caravans are not just a vehicle to many families, they are an escape, a break and a place where memories are made, with the summer just beginning, caravanners need to make sure they are protected.”

Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s top tips to keep caravans safe and help save money:

Storage

If you can park it privately, make it as close to the house as possible and easily visible from your windows – even park your car behind it to pen it in. If parking at a communal caravan park, make sure to remove all valuables or keep them out of sight for anyone who may be able to peer in through the windows; also, choose a reputable park with good access control. You can even ask your insurer for their preferred storage sites for keeping your caravan – this might help reduce the cost of the premium.

Security

Visible security measures are ideal to deter opportunist thieves; wheel locks/clamps, padlocks, hitch locks, window locks, cameras, alarms with warning stickers – anything you can do to delay thieves or put them off is well worth doing. It’s also worth checking if you’re eligible for any reductions on your insurance premium; sometimes, these additional measures can reduce the cost.

Cover up and Keep Track

Use a cover to disguise the caravan’s value and attractiveness from potential thefts. Install a tracker and security mark the caravan with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Chip – to help increase the chances of its safe return should it be stolen.

Breakdowns

It is also important for motorists to review their breakdown cover, as some policies will only cover car breakdowns. This could put unprepared motorists in a difficult position, having to leave their caravan behind and vulnerable in the case of a car emergency.

Abroad

If the caravan is taken abroad, the owner might need to check that the insurance provides European Union coverage. Note that caravan insurers typically place an annual limit on the number of trips and days the caravan could be used abroad, and exceeding these limits may invalidate the policy.

Like for Like

It’s worth checking the insurance policy details to ensure you have ‘new-for-old’ versus market value to help ensure you get back what you paid for it or a new or latest equivalent should you need it replaced rather than the current market resale value.  

Quotezone.co.uk can help you compare and find savings on specialist holiday insurance, such as static caravan, motorhome and trailer insurance.

References:

* https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-rules-for-towing-a-trailer-or-caravan-with-a-car-from-autumn-2021

**https://www.theaa.com/car-insurance/advice/caravan-insurance

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.

Two weeks ago we talked about The Battle over ULEZ expansion in London since then things have progressed again.

In late July, London’s High Court dismissed appeals made by the five Conservative boroughs. In making his ruling, Mr Justice Swift said he was satisfied that expanding the scheme was within the mayor’s powers and that enough information was given for people to provide “informed responses” to the public consultation process. Sadiq Khan described the judgment as a “landmark decision” and said he would press ahead with the expansion on August 29th as planned.

The London mayor had come under intense political pressure from within his own party to rethink the enlargement and provide more support. On August 3rd, he announced that he would expand the established £2,000 ULEZ grant to all Londoners with non-compliant vehicles.

The decision was widely seen as a move to reduce the political fallout over the extension after the Tory by-election win in Uxbridge. The scheme will be available to any household with a non-compliant car or motorcycle, and is expected to cost £50m.

As of July 23rd, some 10,562 applications had been made to the scrappage scheme, with some £38.5m allocated to date. With the £50m addition to the scheme now being made, around £120m is still available.

Does the Ulez expansion effect you? Let us know in the comments. 

Sponsored content.

There’s a lot to love about summer; the long warm days spent visiting friends and family, the day trips to the beach or country parks and the good old UK Staycation. What isn’t always so great is the hectic journey to get to these divine locations.

We’ve all been there at some point or another, stuck in a traffic jam in sweltering heat and often with the sight of some poor soul pulled up on the hard shoulder with vehicle trouble.

As tempting as it can be just to jump in the car and set off on your summer adventure, it’s important to know what preparations you should make ahead of setting off on your journey.

It’s equally as important to know what you should do if you become the person stranded on the hard shoulder of a busy motorway or even on a country lane.

Start Rescue has provided us with a useful checklist on what to do in the event of a breakdown, as well as pre-journey checks that you can carry out to help prevent breaking down in the first place.

Pre-journey checks

Most breakdowns are avoidable. 17% of all breakdowns Start Rescue attended in 2022 were due to tyre issues.

With a trend of increased reported breakdowns during the busy months of July and August these pre-journey checks can help you…

•  Check your fuel: Sounds simple, but check you have enough fuel. If you are driving an electric vehicle, ensure you have enough charge to either complete your journey or are able to plan where you can top up.
• Check your tyres: Check your tyres are pressured to the manufacturer’s guidelines. It’s also important to ensure your tyres have at least 3mm of tread. Look out for bald patches or any tyre wall damage such as cuts, bulges or nails that could have punctured the tyre wall.
• Check your oil: The oil in your vehicle helps to ensure that the engine runs smoothly, acting as a lubricant and helps to avoid it from overheating. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you have the correct oil levels.
• Check your coolant level: Ensure you have the right coolant levels to avoid your vehicle overheating, especially in heavy traffic.
• Check your screenwash: Bugs and dirt on the windscreen can impair your vision so ensure the windscreen washer tank is topped up. Also check your windscreen wiper blades are in good condition.
• Pack useful items: It’s ideal to have drinks, snacks, a blanket and USB phone charger or portable power bank to hand, should you experience a breakdown.

If you are unsure about coolant levels, oil, tyres etc, check your vehicle’s manual for guidance, or contact a local trusted garage for a quick vehicle check over, as checking the above will take no more than 10 minutes.

What to do in the event of a breakdown

• Stay calm!
• Get your vehicle to a safe place: If you are on a motorway, if it is safe to do so, see if you can make it to the next exit. If you can’t, pull up on to the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as you can, with the wheels turned to the left.
• Warn others you have broken down: Turn on your hazard lights and, if its dark or foggy, turn on your sidelights too. As long as you are not on a motorway, you can use a warning triangle if you have one, placing it at least 45m behind your vehicle.
• If safe, leave your vehicle: Exit your vehicle using the left-hand doors and move as far away as you can, behind a safety barrier if there is one. On dual carriage ways and motorways, look to move up the embankment away from the fast-moving traffic. Always stand in a position which is behind your vehicle, not in front or to the side in case your vehicle is hit by another.
• Broken down in a live lane? If you are unfortunate enough to break down in a live lane, immediately turn on your hazard lights. If you can’t get over to the left-hand lane, stay in the car, leave your seat belt on and call 999.
• Call for roadside assistance.

As Lee Puffett, Managing Director at Start Rescue commented:

 “Simple vehicle checks could prevent a breakdown and help make sure you get to your destination safely. However, should you find yourself unfortunate enough to have an issue with your vehicle, through our invaluable network of local recovery operators, we’re on hand 24/7 to assist stranded motorists. So be sure to check your tyres, screenwash and oil, but if you don’t know how to, take your vehicle to a trusted garage to perform a quick check, as it will take minutes and could save you a great deal in time and money further into your journey. Please don’t run the risk and then ruin your day out or holiday. Most of all, have an enjoyable summer, with the peace of mind that Start Rescue is here to help!”

Boris Johnson decided to introduce the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) when he was Mayor of London. It came into effect in April 2019, when Sadiq Khan became Mayor. A £12.50 daily charge applies for driving in the Ultra Low Emission Zone if a  vehicle doesn’t meet specific emission standards; broadly speaking, most diesel vehicles registered before September 2015 and petrol vehicles registered before January 2006.

Initially, the ULEZ covered the same central area as the Congestion Zone before widening to the North and South Circular roads in 2021. In November 2022, a further expansion to cover all London boroughs was confirmed, and this is due to start on 29th August 2023.

The Mayor’s office said it was needed to tackle air pollution, congestion and the climate emergency. Other cities in the UK, Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, Bradford, Glasgow, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Newcastle and Gateshead, have introduced clean air zones. Others will soon follow.

Low-emission zones have been introduced to clean up the air, aiming to make people healthier and reduce the burden on the NHS brought about by air pollution. For the London ULEZ expansion, £110m has been set aside for a scrappage scheme for people on low incomes or disability benefits, some small businesses and London-based charities. Eligible drivers can get up to £2,000 for scrapping a car. The amount of money on offer differs for vans and motorbikes.

Serious concerns regarding the financial impact of ULEZ expansion have been raised by some residents, businesses and politicians. Some people affected say the scrappage scheme won’t help them. The cost of second-hand ULEZ-compliant cars has also risen. ULEZ expansion was a significant local issue during the Uxbridge and Ruislip by-election.

Five Conservative-led councils – Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, Hillingdon and Surrey – have launched legal action over the expanded scheme. In April 2023, they were granted permission to challenge the legality of how the ULEZ plans developed in a judicial review; the review is ongoing. Many local authorities affected by the expansion do not believe their transport systems or residents are ready for the expansion. The Mayor has defended the plan, arguing it is necessary to help prevent health conditions related to air pollution and even excess deaths. Preparations such as installing cameras have continued.

The number of older polluting vehicles that have entered the current Ulez has fallen dramatically, with 97% now meeting the cleaner standards. Within that area, it is estimated that NOx emissions have fallen by 26% since 2019. Air quality has improved, but all Londoners still live in areas exceeding World Health Organization guidelines for both pollutants.

Diesel and unleaded prices are charging quickly currently, and competition is helping to drive down prices and ensure that UK drivers are being charged a fair price for their fuel. If you see a price that has changed, please consider updating it on the PetrolPrices app to help other motorists save on their fuel costs.

Our Statement

The team at PetrolPrices welcome the findings from the CMA Road Fuel Market study, which is exactly why PetrolPrices was formed in 2005, to help motorists compare fuel prices and save money at the pump.

Whilst we welcome the report and are encouraged about the findings, as a free of charge service already the PetrolPrices website and app already exist without any expense to the taxpayer.

PetrolPrices was founded in 2005 and helps over 1.5 million motorists a month save money on fuel.
We show prices for all brands of fuel stations across the UK and obtain data on Petrol, Diesel and Premium grades from the fuel stations and our wonderful community of drivers.

Our free app is available on both iOS and Android, plus we have a free website if you don’t wish to use the app. 

Car finance company, Go Car Credit, reveal Volkswagen (VW) drivers are the messiest, spending the least time cleaning their cars (14 minutes / week).

Renault and Nissan drivers were not far behind, spending roughly 16 minutes per week cleaning their vehicles, 20% less than the national average.

As well as being messy, VW drivers may also neglect vehicle upkeep, as VW drivers were found to spend the least amount of time maintaining their vehicles.

Bentley car drivers are the cleanest, spending twice as much time cleaning their cars than the average person. Bentley owners spend 40 minutes per week cleaning their car compared to just 20 minutes from the average UK car driver.

With the season of spring-cleaning upon us, Go Car Credit was keen to find out which car drivers are the cleanest and which were the messiest. Surveying 1000 car owners, the data revealed Bentley drivers were also the most car proud, spending 50% more time cleaning and maintaining their cars than cleaning their own homes. Bentley drivers also spend the most time maintaining their vehicles (44 minutes per week compared to 19 minutes of the average driver).

The survey also found that men spend 25% more time cleaning their cars than women (18 minutes compared to 22 minutes per week).

Other key findings include:

• VW owners spend the least time cleaning their cars (14 minutes / week)
• Londoners are the cleanest car owners (27 minutes / week)
• Mini drivers spent 4 times as much time cleaning their homes than their cars
• The average UK car driver spends 20 minutes per week cleaning their car

Looking at differences between the owners of specific car brands, the research revealed that Aston Martin drivers were the most car proud, spending 84% more time cleaning and maintaining their cars than cleaning their homes (64.57 minutes compared to 25.86 minutes).

Keen to uncover which cars are the cleanest, Go Car Credit created a ranked table of car brand owners and the time they spend cleaning and maintaining their cars:

Although Volkswagen drivers were the least clean, spending on average 14 minutes per week cleaning their cars, Mini drivers were the most house-proud car owners. They showed the biggest difference, spending over 4 times as much time cleaning their homes than their cars (20 minutes cleaning their cars compared to 114 minutes cleaning their homes per week).

Looking at regional difference, Londoners were the cleanest car owners, spending 27 minutes per week cleaning their vehicles, spending 7 minutes more than the national average of 20 minutes per week. The South-East spends the least time cleaning their cars, dedicating only 15 minutes per week to cleaning their vehicles. House-proud Scotland saw the biggest difference, spending 108 minutes cleaning their homes compared to 17 minutes cleaning their cars each week.

As a result of the study, Go Car Credit launched a competition to find the UK’s messiest car. Go Car Credit’s Marketing Manager Hayley O’Connor said; “We wanted to see just how messy people let their cars get and if a VW driver would come out on top.”

UK drivers submitted photographs of their messiest vehicle interiors to Go Car Credit’s Facebook page. Following a selection process by a panel of judges from Go Car Credit, it can now reveal the winning entry came from Tammy from Norfolk with her Vauxhall Astra.

The winning image contained empty McDonald’s packaging, lateral flow tests, empty drinks bottles, sweet and crisp wrappers, an ice cream stick, discarded clothing, magazines, and paper towels.  Hayley continued: “We found a whole range of messy motorists. We recommend car drivers take care of their vehicles for health and safety reasons.”