Van trapped in car park for 30 months
Thu, 01 May 2025
A van trapped in a car park for two and a half years has finally been released.
The HCS Furniture van had been trapped in London’s Rathbone Square mechanical stacking car park since December 2022. The system utilises space by stacking cars parked on mechanical platforms on top of one another.
Although Rathbone Square management did not comment to the BBC, it seems the system failed and left around 40 vehicles trapped in the stack.
Because HCS Furniture could not retrieve its van, the family business has spent almost £50,000 first renting, and then buying, a new van. "Coffers are now fairly low," says the firm’s Steve Davies.
"I’ve taken a few knocks in the 40 years I’ve had the business, but this has been the biggest."
Surprisingly, despite being worried about the state of the battery, Mr Davies added it still had enough charge to start the vehicle up and drive it out of the bay. The van has since been dispatched for servicing and further assessment.
While the furniture company was lucky, Finchley mechanic Lauren Kennedy warned other owners are almost certain to have flat batteries. "They’re also going to possibly have flat tyres, perished tyres and seized brakes."
A solicitor told the BBC owners may be able to claim for the inconvenience caused and "loss of enjoyment" of their vehicles, on top of any direct monetary costs incurred.
However, it is currently unclear which organisation will be held liable for any compensation payouts.
Double Parking Systems maintains the automated system, but did not install it. The company confirmed the parking system has been operational again since 15 March.
Who is liable for a parking fine incurred in a company vehicle?
