There may be a move towards smaller cars, but you would have to have a Micra-scopic or a Mini-scule vehicle to park on what must be the shortest double yellow lines in the UK.

Measuring just over 23cms long, the lines are in Caxton Street, Westminster, central London, between a taxi rank and some parking bays.

Leith Penny, Westminster City Council's strategic director for city management, said: "This was a mistake by a contractor. We are obviously not happy about it, because double yellow lines should play an important part in traffic management and road safety.

"But on this occasion we can see how absurd this looks and we will make sure it is corrected."

Earlier this year, double yellow lines stretching for just 33cms were discovered on a street in Cambridge.

The lines were painted on a gap between parking bays in Humberstone Road, West Chesterton, by Cambridgeshire County Council.