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Motorists Feeling The Squeeze As Parking Spaces Shrink

We're reporting a growing problem for motorists this morning; with new research confirming we're running out of spaces to park our cars.
Lifestyle - 13 July 2012   Download IconContent available for download:  
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Research out this morning has uncovered a growing problem for motorists as the average amount of space for parking in residential areas has shrunk by nearly a metre – falling from 9.84 metres per car a decade ago to 8.97 metres in 2011.

Bigger cars, more vehicles and residential parking spaces failing to keep pace, are all factors that contribute to the fact that drivers are now under increasing pressure to park in tighter spaces – risking damage to their own car and those around them.

But while motorists are feeling squeezed, local authorities are profiting from the increased demand for parking space by raising the cost of parking for residents. In fact, 14% of councils have increased the cost of residential parking permits this year already.

What’s more, long waiting lists for permits combined with the parking ‘squeeze’ has caused one in 10 drivers (11%) to park illegally near their home because there wasn’t a space available for them. Around a third of these were fined as a result.

. Introduction:

Squeezing the car into a parking space can often feel like an impossible task – and it seems in many cases it actually is, as the space for parking in residential areas has shrunk in size.

The LV= car insurance research out today reveals that bigger cars, more vehicles and residential parking failing to keep pace, are all factors that contribute to the fact that drivers are now under added pressure to park in tighter spaces – risking damage to their own car and those around them.

So, what can motorists do when feeling the squeeze?

Joining us to discuss this further is Vanessa Chance, a spokesperson from LV= car insurance