Guidelines for car park spaces have not changed in 50 years - but the cars we drive have moved on radically during that time.
Spaces only need to be 2.4m x 4.8m to pass muster which means some modern cars are left with little wiggle room, reports the Express.
Newer models are built wider than previous ones, contributing to thousands of accidents every year.
CarGurus reveal some modern cars take up more than 86 percent of a standard parking space leaving owners just 21cm to get out of their vehicle safely.
In comparison, a 1970s model took up just 69 percent of an ordinary parking space reducing the risk of accidentally colliding with another car.
Chris Knapman, editor at CarGurus said: “It’s understandable why cars have grown so much over the years, and the dramatically improved safety standards of modern cars versus those of years gone by is an obvious benefit.
“However, as many motorists will no doubt confirm, it's disappointing that parking space guidelines haven’t been updated accordingly.
“Many of the latest cars are at least available with technology to help with parking, including parking sensors, reversing cameras, 360-degree view cameras and automatic parallel and bay parking functions.
“Some even equip cars with features to help prevent car park damage, such as door edge protectors and Citroën’s Airbump Technology.
“However, it is, of course, worth noting that no matter how easy the technology makes it to park, if the space is too small for your car none of it will help you to physically squeeze out of the driver's seat.”
The UK’s most popular vehicles where owners are left struggling include the Honda Civic and MINI Hatch.
The Civic now takes up 71 percent of each parking space compared to just 49 percent in the first-generation model.
The MINI Hatch was the fastest grower on the list with models now around 55 percent larger and taking up 30 percent more parking space compared to the original design.
Popular cars such as the Audi A4, Ford Focus, Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 308, Vauxhall insignia and the Volkswagen Passat were also found to have grown in size significantly.
Research by Skoda earlier this year found British motorists were being hit by almost £1.5billion in repair bills caused by car park damage.
Over 10 percent of drivers admitted they had damaged their cars within the last 12 months with the average diver paying out almost £400.
Damage picked up in a car park may have major consequences with many motorists possibly forced to claim against their insurance to pay for the damage.
This could lead to drivers losing their no claims bonus and leading to an increase in monthly premiums.
Compare the Market warns drivers fail who fail to stop and report the incident could be prosecuted for careless driving.
In some extreme circumstances, this can lead to drivers being issued fines of up to £2,500 and six penalty points on a licence.
