EasyJet-style car parking in London

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Westminster City Council trial scheme
Hourly rates rise as car park fills up
Scheme could be extended if it's a success

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You'd better set your alarm clock an hour earlier - a car park in London has introduced EasyJet-style charges, meaning that prices increase as it fills up.

The scheme, which is being run by Westminster City Council in Queensway car park, is part of a 12-week trial that may lead to the charging system being adopted elsewhere.

The car park has 250 spaces. Motorists who arrive when it is nearly empty will pay just 20p an hour or £2.40 a day to park.

However, prices will rise as the car park fills up, hitting a maximum of £2 an hour, the same as the previous maximum hourly rate.

Drivers will be informed of the rate they'll pay on a digital display board located at the car park's entrance.

Danny Chalkley, Westminster's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: 'We know that many drivers in London are put off by expensive parking charges. Now they will be able to park far more cheaply on a first-come, first-served basis.

'We have seen the huge success of similar pricing schemes employed by EasyJet for their passengers, and now hope to emulate this success and provide low-cost parking.'