Variable parking is go

29th June 2008

A parking space in London for £2.40 a day sounds like a dream – but a budget, airline-style scheme has made it a reality!

Westminster Council is trialling a new charging method that’s based on how busy the car park is. Drivers entering when it is virtually empty pay only 20p an hour; then, as the bays fill up, the price rises to £2 an hour.

It’s similar to the way no-frills air companies charge for seats on planes. A spokesman for the council said: “We know many drivers are put off by expensive parking fees. Now, they will be far cheaper – on a first-come, first-served basis.”

If it’s a hit, the scheme will be implemented in 14 other Westminster car parks. Councils nationwide are also watching the 12-week pilot with interest.