A London furniture business has been left stranded for two years after its van became trapped in a mechanical car park, resulting in an estimated £40,000 loss.
Mark Lucas’ furniture business has been left with a significant financial burden after their van became trapped in a mechanical stacked car park in central London over two years ago.
HCS Furniture offers a wide range of products, including desks, chairs, tables, and storage solutions.
Their products are designed to meet the needs of modern consumers, with a focus on style, comfort, and durability.
With a strong commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, HCS Furniture has become a household name in the furniture industry.
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The van, an electric Vauxhall, was parked at Rathbone Square, a building complex near Oxford Street, in December 2022.
The Delays and Communication Breakdown
After being unable to retrieve the van due to a ‘mechanical malfunction‘ in the car park, Mark Lucas was told in January 2023 that new parts were required by engineers. However, 26 months on, no update has been provided. The BBC approached Rathbone Square and the car park installer, Double Parking Systems, for comment.
The owners of HCS Furniture had temporarily hired another van at a cost of £800 a month to mitigate the loss. As a result, their costs continued to mount, with an estimated total financial loss of around £40,000. The business owners have had ‘little or no response‘ on when they might get the van back.
A System in Need of Improvement
Stacked car parks are increasingly being used in city centres globally as a way to save ground space. However, it appears that this system can be prone to mechanical malfunctions, leading to significant delays and financial losses for businesses like HCS Furniture. The BBC has approached the management for Rathbone Square and Double Parking Systems for comment.
The electric Vauxhall van was six months old when it became trapped in the car park, and its owners are now unable to claim back any money through insurance until the repairs are completed. This lack of communication and planning has had a significant impact on their ability to grow their business.
A Call for Action
The situation highlights the need for improved communication and maintenance within stacked car parks. The BBC urges those involved to provide more clarity on when the van will be repaired and how this incident can be prevented in the future.
Regular communication is crucial for successful maintenance.
It involves sharing information about equipment status, scheduling repairs, and providing updates on progress.
This helps prevent misunderstandings, ensures timely completion of tasks, and reduces the risk of accidents.
Effective communication also fosters a culture of transparency and trust among team members.
