Robot valet parking at Gatwick Airport promises safer, easier long‑stay car storage

French robotics firm Stanley Robotics has introduced robot valet parking at Gatwick Airport, promising a safer and more convenient long-stay car storage solution. The automated robots can park vehicles with remarkable accuracy, centimeter-level precision to be exact. Gatwick Airport confirms the system can handle approximately 95% of vehicles, although certain restrictions apply.

Eligible cars must weigh no more than 2.6 tonnes, stand under 2.3 meters high, possess a wheelbase of less than 3.3 meters, and have wheels no larger than 21 inches (53.34 centimeters). The parking area is safeguarded by perimeter fencing, floodlighting, and 24-hour security patrols. Additionally, automatic number plate recognition monitors vehicles as they enter and exit the parking site.

Stanley Robotics emphasizes the robots' safety features; should the robots experience a malfunction, they will halt their operations instead of moving unpredictably. Passenger feedback has been largely positive, with some praising the service for its speed and ease of booking. Others have chosen this option due to the added security it provides.

Currently, the service comes with a slight premium of around €6 to €12 (approximately £5 to £10) more than standard long-stay parking. When it was first launched, the service had a minimum stay requirement of five days and was accessible only on weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm. However, Gatwick Airport indicates these limitations will be progressively relaxed.