That's crazy. To my knowledge they need to give you at LEAST as much space as a car which is 1.0 meters if you're doing less than 15 mph and 1.5 meters if higher. Of course, that's the minimum and not a target. This distance is more important than being in the next lane, as lane width varies. But obviously the more room they can give the better and it is always appreciated.
Unfortunately there is a reason so many get away with it - it's not law. There's no actual legal binding for minimum passing distances - the only thing the police can do them for is dangerous/reckless/careless driving. So in many cases, basically anything goes as long as they aren't seen doing it. Worse, many forces won't act on footage and/or witness testimony because as with complaints from other car drivers they basically can't be bothered and they want to keep crime down any way they can..
In my personal experience most car drivers are OK. We are all equals even though cyclists are there by legal right, cars by legal permission. It's that minority of pricks in cars and on bikes that make life problematic for the rest of us. I hope the driver in this incident can see the danger in what they did and I really hope they are not doing it in purpose.
How can it be days Christmas only started today. Just moaning for the sake of it. It's a parking bay hasn't got a name on it she can park where the hell she likes. Not even blocking the front door. Bah humbug to you
She is a junkie and was picking up her methadone.