Leslie Massey
Car parking spaces in Australia are reportedly shrinking, and while this may be true, the reason is not as straightforward as it seems. Cars are getting bigger, and parking spaces are not. The standard car park size in Australia has been 5.4 metres long and between 2.4 and 2.6 metres wide since 1993, according to Standards Australia guidelines. However, there have been talks about increasing the length of off-street parking spaces to 5.6 metres to accommodate larger vehicles. Disabled parking spaces, for instance, must be a minimum of 5.5 metres long and 3 metres wide, according to Standards Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 5.4 metres (to be increased to 5.6 metres) |
| Width | Between 2.4 and 2.6 metres |
| Height | 2 metres |
| Disabled parking space | 5.5m long by 3m wide |
| Minimum headroom clearance for disabled parking space | 2.5m |
| Angle parking space | 2.4m wide by 5.4m long |
| Parallel parking space | 3.2m wide by 7.8m long |
| Disabled parking space | 3.6m wide with 1.2m wide access aisle |
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What You'll Learn
Standard parking space dimensions
The standard parking space dimensions in Australia have been set at 5.4 metres long and between 2.4 and 2.6 metres wide since 1993. The height of a standard car park in Australia is about 2 metres. However, the standard size of parking spaces may differ slightly depending on the type of parking, such as parallel, perpendicular, or angle parking, and the specific requirements of the state or territory.
In recent years, there has been a push to increase the size of parking spaces to accommodate larger vehicles, such as US utes, which are increasingly popular. As a result, Standards Australia is currently working on increasing the length of off-street car parking spaces from 5.4 metres to 5.6 metres. This change is expected to be finalised in approximately six months and will apply to all new off-street car parks.
According to the Australian Standard AS2890.1:2004, disabled parking spaces must be at least 5.5 metres long and 3 metres wide, with a minimum headroom clearance of 2.5 metres for vehicles with roof-mounted wheelchair racks. The access aisle between disabled parking spaces should be at least 1.2 metres wide.
For angle parking spaces, the dedicated space should be 2400 mm wide and 5400 mm long, with a shared area on one side and at the end measuring 2400 mm wide and 5400 mm long. The angle of the parking space should be between 45 and 90 degrees. Parallel parking spaces should have a dedicated space of at least 3200 mm wide and 7800 mm long, with a shared area of at least 1600 mm wide and 7800 mm long.
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Disabled parking space requirements
In Australia, disabled parking spaces are governed by the Australian Standards, also known as the 'Premises Standards'. These standards outline the requirements for the size, signage, and ground surface of parking spots for people with disabilities. The specific standard that applies to disabled parking is AS/NZS 2890.6-2009 (Off-street Parking for People with Disabilities), which sets the minimum requirements for accessible car parking spaces in Australia and New Zealand.
According to AS/NZS 2890.6-2009, angled parking spaces should be 2400mm wide and 5400mm long, with a shared area of the same dimensions on one side of the parking space. The dedicated space and shared area should be on the same level, and a bollard should be placed in the shared area, at least 800mm from the roadside end, with a height of 1300mm and in a highly contrasting colour and finish. The bollard should be blue and flexible. The pavement markings should be non-slip and yellow, with unbroken lines 80 to 100mm wide on all sides of the parking space, except for any sides delineated by a kerb, barrier, or wall.
Parallel parking spaces should be no less than 3200mm wide and 7800mm long, with a shared area adjacent to the non-trafficked side of at least 1600mm wide and 7800mm long. The height clearance from the car park entrance to all accessible parking spaces should be a minimum of 2200mm, and the headroom above each space should be at least 2500mm. Kerb ramps should be provided where required.
Additionally, accessible parking spaces should be located as close as possible to the main entrance of the building. If the parking is underground, the accessible spots should be near elevators and lifts. Clear signage should be provided to direct drivers from the entrance of the car park to the accessible parking spaces.
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Angle parking
In Australia, angle parking is a common parking method in public and private parking facilities. It involves positioning a vehicle at an angle, typically 90°, 60°, or 45°, to the parking lines. This type of parking is easier to navigate than parallel parking, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like shopping centres and busy streets.
When performing angle parking, it is crucial to be mindful of other vehicles and pedestrians while manoeuvring into or out of the space. Reverse angle parking can be challenging, but with practice, it becomes more manageable. To master this technique, follow these steps:
- Position your car slightly past the desired parking space, maintaining a one-metre distance from the adjacent cars.
- Begin reversing slowly while keeping an eye on the parking spots.
- Start turning the steering wheel when your rear wheel aligns with the first corner of the neighbouring car. Adjust the turning point based on the angle of the parking space.
- Monitor your mirrors and blind spots to check the gap between your car and surrounding vehicles as you reverse into the spot.
- Once your rear wheels pass the car you're parking behind, focus on aligning your vehicle with the parking lines.
- Straighten your wheels and continue reversing until your car is fully within the lines, ensuring it is centred and not overhanging into adjacent spots or walkways.
It is important to note that when angle parking, motorists must follow the directions stipulated on parking signs and road markings. This includes parking in the specified direction, such as nose-to-kerb or rear-to-kerb, and adhering to the indicated angle. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in penalties or fines, as stipulated by local authorities.
In terms of dimensions, angle parking spaces in Australia should have a dedicated space of 2,400 mm in width and 5,400 mm in length. This dedicated space should be complemented by a shared area on one side and at the end, measuring 2,400 mm by 5,400 mm. The dedicated space and shared areas should be levelled evenly.
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Parallel parking
In Australia, the standard car park size is 5.4 metres long and between 2.4 and 2.6 metres wide. The height of indoor car parks is typically 2 metres. However, it's important to be cautious as your vehicle may be taller, and there could be obstructions like piping protruding from the ceiling.
While the size of parking spaces has remained the same, cars have grown bigger and heavier over the years. Some mainstream utes are over five metres long, and the Chevy Silverado HD LTZ Premium is almost 6.4 metres long. As a result, there have been discussions about increasing the size of parking spaces to better accommodate these larger vehicles.
- Find a suitable space that is approximately one and a half car lengths long.
- Signal your intention to stop and slow down as you approach the space.
- Position your car alongside the car in front of the vacant space, aligning your rear bumper with their bumper.
- Reverse into the space, turning your steering wheel towards the kerb as you do so.
- Continue reversing until your car is parallel to the kerb and within the parking space. Ensure you are within 30 centimetres of the kerb.
- Straighten your wheels and continue reversing slowly until your car is centred in the space.
- Apply your parking brake and put your vehicle in gear or "Park".
Remember to practice in a safe, open area until you feel comfortable with the technique. It is also important to be mindful of your surroundings and adhere to any parking restrictions or regulations.
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Parking space size variations
Vehicle Dimensions
The size of parking spaces in Australia has traditionally been based on the dimensions of commonly used vehicles. The standard parking space in Australia has been 5.4 metres long and between 2.4 and 2.6 metres wide since 1993. These measurements were suitable for average-sized cars like the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore. However, with the increase in the size of vehicles, there is a growing need to accommodate larger models, such as US utes, which are over five metres long. As a result, there are discussions about increasing the length of off-street parking spaces to 5.6 metres.
Local Regulations
Parking space sizes can vary slightly between different states, territories, and even local areas within Australia. For example, the Victorian Government's Planning Scheme has different car parking space dimensions. Additionally, local policies and regulations, such as the Parking Overlay, can enable variations to standard requirements, allowing for flexibility in specific areas or precincts.
Disabled Access
Disabled parking spaces in Australia are significantly larger than standard spaces to allow for wheelchair manoeuvrability and access. According to Standards Australia, disabled parking spaces should be a minimum of 5.5 metres long and 3 metres wide, with a minimum headroom clearance of 2.5 metres if a roof-mounted wheelchair rack is used. The Building Code of Australia also mandates that a certain number of disabled parking spaces be allocated in car parks, adhering to specific design standards outlined in Australian Standard AS2890.6-2009.
Parking Angle
The angle at which vehicles are parked can also affect the size of the parking space. For instance, angle parking spaces, which are typically between 45 and 90 degrees, have different dimensions than parallel parking spaces. Angle parking spaces should have a dedicated space of 2.4 metres wide by 5.4 metres long, while parallel parking spaces require a dedicated space of at least 3.2 metres wide by 7.8 metres long.
Open-Air vs. Multi-Storey Car Parks
Dimensions may also vary depending on the type of car park. Open-air car parks might offer slightly different dimensions compared to multi-storey car parking garages. Additionally, the height of the parking structure is an important consideration, especially for taller vehicles. The standard car park height in Australia is about 2 metres, but it is essential to be cautious and aware of potential height restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
A standard car parking space in Australia is 5.4 metres long and between 2.4 and 2.6 metres wide. The standard car park height in Australia is about 2 metres.
Cars have gotten bigger and heavier over the years, while parking spaces have remained the same size. Some mainstream utes are over five metres long, and the Chevy Silverado HD LTZ Premium is almost 6.4 metres long.
Yes, angle parking spaces should include a dedicated space that is 2400 mm wide and 5400 mm long, with a shared area on one side that is 2.4 m wide and 5.4 m long. Parallel parking spaces should have a dedicated space that is at least 3200 mm wide and 7800 mm long, with a shared area of at least 1600 mm wide and 7800 mm long.
Disabled parking spaces in Australia are larger than regular spaces to accommodate wheelchairs. They should be a minimum of 5.5 metres long and 3 metres wide, with a minimum headroom clearance of 2.5 metres for vehicles with roof-mounted wheelchair racks.
