Parking is stressing drivers out.
Drivers feels anxious over tight parking spaces
A third of motorists say they feel anxious, worried or even scared when it comes to parking, according to new research from Kia. The study found that one in three drivers consider bay parking the most difficult manoeuvre, while 64% believe spaces are too small for modern vehicles.
The findings come as car sizes continue to increase, despite standard parking bay dimensions in the UK not being formally updated since 1976. This mismatch is contributing to growing frustration, with more than half of drivers (56%) saying they have struggled to get in or out of their vehicle after parking.
Many report having to climb over seats, exit before parking, or wait for neighbouring cars to move before they can leave. The issue is also affecting daily routines, with 18% admitting they have been late after failing to find a suitable space.
As a result, demand for technology is rising, with 50% of drivers saying they would prefer their car to park itself or be controlled remotely.
Matthew Stevens, Head of Product at Kia UK, told RAC: “Parking is something all drivers have to do, yet it strikes fear into the hearts of so many of us, to the point that we’re driving round in circles looking for the perfect spot.”
The research also found that one in 10 drivers have hit something while parking, with half of those incidents involving a bollard. A third said they had hit another car, while a quarter reported damaging their alloy wheels. The average repair cost for parking-related damage is £388.
Data from the Kia Parking Index ranked Southampton as the worst city for parking, followed by Oxford and Liverpool. In contrast, Aberdeen was named the best city for parking.