Car Length...

[BigEv]

You hear the term 'a cars length' on everything from braking distances to parking space size...does anyone know what is the set legal definition and dimensions of 1 car length is in the UK as defined by national and local Government??

Many thanks in advance...

[Buenchico]

According to the Highway Code, 24 car lengths = 96m. So, unless maths has changed a lot since I used to teach it, 1 car length = 4m.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/312249/the-highway-code-typical-stopping-distances.pdf

The (widely accepted) recommended minimum length for an on-street parking bay is 5.5m (or 6.5m for a disabled bay). Google 'dimensions parking bay' to find lots of pdf documents on council websites. (The Essex one is particularly detailed).

Apparently width can be a problem too!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2103592/How-Britains-favourite-cars-outgrown-parking-bays-average-vehicle-2in-wider-space.html

[Buenchico]

PS: To find the actual length of any car, enter the make & model here, click 'Search' and then 'Dimensions':
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/