The minimum width of parking bays will be abolished by the Government because cars have become too big.

The size of parking spaces has remained the same since 1994 while car dimensions have continued to grow as extra safety features have been fitted.

The growing popularity of 4x4s and SUV crossovers have also contributed to the current bay sizes just not being big enough and drivers are increasingly being hit with unfair fines for parking over lines or having their cars damaged.

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Currently, parking bays on roads can be a maximum length of 6.6 metres and minimum of 4.5 metres, and a maximum width of 2.7 metres and minimum of 1.8 metres.

The Government is expected to consult on the plans to scrap the minimum size and allow local authorities to set the size of parking bays later this year as part of wider-reaching changes planned for traffic signs and road regulations.

However, MPs last night warned scrapping the size totally could see local authorities take advantage of their new powers to make spaces even smaller, forcing drivers into smaller eco-cars.