A mechanical malfunction at a London parking facility has left numerous vehicles trapped for over two years, causing substantial financial hardship for their owners. The parking stacker at Rathbone Square in London experienced a failure in December 2022, affecting up to 40 vehicles. Mark Lucas, owner of a Vauxhall electric van, was among those impacted. Despite initial expectations of a quick resolution, the van remained stuck until recently. Lucas and his business partner, Steve Davies, were forced to hire a replacement van at £800 monthly while their vehicle was inaccessible. The total cost of renting and purchasing a new van during this period amounted to nearly £50,000 ($66,000 USD). The stacker’s maintenance company, Double Parking Systems, repaired the system on March 15, 2024, but Lucas’s van was not released until much later. Upon release, the van was found to be still operational and was taken for servicing. The liability for the financial losses incurred remains unclear, with potential responsibility falling on the stacker’s installer (Klaus Multiparking), the maintenance company (Double Parking Systems), or the building management (CBRE). The situation highlights the potential risks associated with complex parking systems and the need for effective maintenance and support infrastructure. The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibility of parking facility operators and maintenance providers in such cases. As urban areas continue to adopt automated parking solutions, the Rathbone Square incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of reliable technology and responsive customer support.
The Rathbone Square Parking Stacker Incident
The parking stacker, installed by Klaus Multiparking, is part of a luxury residential and retail complex. It was designed to provide 79 parking spaces. The failure has not only affected vehicle owners but also residents who use the parking facility. The building management, CBRE, has acknowledged that other vehicles remain trapped and are expected to be released over the coming month. The prolonged nature of this incident has raised concerns about the reliability of automated parking systems and the need for robust maintenance protocols. As cities become increasingly dense, the use of such parking solutions is likely to grow, making it essential to address the challenges highlighted by this case. The financial and logistical implications of this incident underscore the importance of developing more resilient and maintainable parking technologies.
