London Gatwick Airport is testing an automated parking service in which robots move passengers’ cars into long-stay spaces. The system was developed by French company Stanley Robotics and is intended to make parking more convenient while adding security at the airport, according to Euronews.
The robots can position vehicles with centimetre-level precision. Gatwick says the facility can accommodate around 95% of cars, although eligibility depends on several restrictions: vehicles must weigh no more than 2.6 tonnes, be less than 2.3 metres tall, have a wheelbase shorter than 3.3 metres and use wheels no larger than 21 inches.
The parking area is enclosed by perimeter fencing and floodlighting, with security patrols operating around the clock. Automatic number plate recognition records vehicles entering and leaving. Stanley Robotics says its machines are programmed to stop if they malfunction, rather than continue moving unpredictably.
Euronews reported mixed reasons among passengers using the service. Some described the system as quick and easy to book, while others were attracted by the additional security offered at the parking site. The automated facility is positioned as a premium alternative to Gatwick’s standard long-stay parking.
The service costs approximately €6 to €12 more than standard long-stay parking, equivalent to about £5 to £10. At launch, customers had to book for at least five days, and availability was mainly limited to weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Gatwick says those restrictions will gradually be eased.