Rash of Car Park Scratches Irritate UK Drivers
Parking spaces that are too small are costing motorists over 500 million pounds a year in repair bills for damaged paintwork.
A new study from Halfords and paint renovation experts G3 Pro has revealed that over 10 million car owners have suffered annoying scuffs or scratches as a result of unwanted contact in car parks over the past year – with two thirds of them having to pay more than £50 to fix bodywork.
Car doors are the most likely area to suffer scrapes as a result, accounting for 50% of reported damage, followed by bumpers (14%) and wings (13%).
Halfords paint protection expert David Howells said: “There is a squeeze on the nation’s car parks and the consequences are hitting frustrated motorists in the wallet.
“The majority of drivers we questioned blamed their scratches and repair costs on inconsiderate drivers parking too close to them but our research shows that the size of parking spaces is leaving them little choice.”
Despite the size of the average car growing – as manufacturers strive to offer more interior space, crash protection and comfort - Transport Department rules governing car park space sizes have remained the same since 1994.
The width of cars has increased by around 16% over the same period, making the average British car 2 inches wider than the 1.80m (5ft 11in) minimum parking space - that’s 40mm smaller than a Ford Focus* and incapable of accommodating a BMW 3 series measuring over 2metres (6ft 7in).
Donna Howard from G3 Pro said: “Even the smallest scratch can be very annoying and reduce the value of a vehicle by hundreds of pounds. But with car park operators looking to maximise visitor volumes and revenue, there is little incentive for them to exceed the recommended minimum size requirements.”
The research found that supermarkets were reported as the worst offenders by 38% of drivers, followed by shopping centres (29%) and railway stations (18%).
Donna Howard added: “Until drivers learn to take greater care of how they park, as well as how they open car doors in tight spaces, G3 Pro offers a range of professional quality products that can help banish unsightly scuffs and scratches to leave paintwork looking like new.”
ENDS
Media contact:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager
T: 01527 513410, M: 07738 751930
E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
Research findings taken from a Halfords/G3 survey of 2187 UK drivers conducted during July 2013.
*Vehicle width measurements taken from mirror to mirror.
Halfords stores offer a scratch, chip and dent repair service at a fraction of the cost of a traditional body shops. Work is guaranteed for three years and we use trained bodyshop technicians that can carry out the work at your local store, your home, or place of work.
About Halfords Group plc
The Group is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Halfords Autocentres also one of the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator. Halfords customers shop at 467 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland and at halfords.com for pick-up at their local store or direct home delivery. Halfords Autocentres operates from around 290 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership-quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices.
Halfords employs approximately 12,000 colleagues and sells around 10,000 product lines in stores, increasing to around 30,000 lines online. The product offering encompasses significant ranges in car parts, cycles, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords own brands include Apollo and Carrera cycles, augmented by exclusive UK distribution rights for the premium-ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment including brands such as Outwell. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a "werepair" service for cycles.
About Farecla’s G3 Pro
With over 50 years’ experience in developing some of the most technologically advanced surface finishing products, Farécla has long been the number one choice for bodyshop professionals. Farécla’s G3 Pro range is an advanced paint renovation system that gives car owners the ability to achieve the best possible results on defects like surface scratches, scuffs and faded paintwork. G3 Pro gives consumers the power to get professional results at home without the need for professional skills. Offering a systematic approach to paint renovation and protection, the G3 Pro range prepares, restores and protects car bodywork.
