10.4 Parking space dimensions

Parking space dimensions: Designs should adhere to the following standards:

On street parallel parking: 2.0m x 6.0m, disabled parking space is a minimum of 2.7 m x 6.6m (preferably 3.6m x 6.6m).

The end of a run of parallel bays must be squared off, not finished with a 45-degree cut.

On street echelon parking: 2.4m x 4.8m, disabled parking space is 3.6m x 5.0m.

Consideration should be given to vehicle overhang, this could be addressed using a wider pavement or introducing furniture or greenery.

Perpendicular parking: 2.4m x 4.8m, disabled parking space is 2.8 m x 4.8m (with an additional 1.2m space between two disabled bays)

Curtilage parking: 2.6m x 4.8m or 3.6m x 4.8m for disabled space

Dedicated motorcycle spaces: 2 m x 0.8m (though these are typically accommodated within car spaces)

Dedicated bike and e-mobility (scooter): spaces should preferably be on carriageway and fit neatly into one vehicle parking space

Smaller disabled spaces could be permitted when adjacent to a level area (e.g. a lowered pavement) at least 1.2m wide to allow people to get in and out of a vehicles.

Designers should also refer to the Building Regulations [Reference 47] and the guidance in in Traffic Advice Leaflet 5/95 for further advice [Reference 48].

Where spaces are located next to a potential obstruction (wall, fence, hedge, street trees) an aisle width of 0.5m should be added to the width of the space.

There are no set manoeuvring space dimension requirements. The width should be determined based on the street type, parking type and confirmed using swept path analysis.

It is not necessary to access a parking space in one movement, and dimensions should not be determined by the worst-case largest car.

For perpendicular parking, a wider bay will result in a narrower aisle or street width, and this would be preferable to a wider aisle.

References

• Reference 47: HMG (2016) Building Regulations Approved Document M (Return to content for reference 47).
• Reference 48: DfT (1995) Traffic Advice Leaflet 5/95 – Parking for Disabled People (Return to content for reference 48).