Loading the video
Video.
Robot valet parking at Gatwick Airport promises safer, easier long‑stay car storage
Updated: 15/09/2026 – 13:16 GMT+2
London Gatwick Airport is testing car-parking robots, offering secure, automated long-stay parking for most vehicles at a small extra cost.
The robots, developed by French company Stanley Robotics, can park cars with centimetre-level precision. Gatwick says the system can accommodate around 95% of vehicles, although some cars are excluded. Vehicles must weigh no more than 2.6 tonnes, be under 2.3 metres tall, have a wheelbase of less than 3.3 metres and wheels no larger than 21 inches (53,34 centimètres).
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
The parking area is protected by perimeter fencing, floodlighting and 24-hour security patrols, while automatic number plate recognition monitors vehicles entering and leaving the site. Stanley Robotics says the robots are designed to stop if they malfunction, rather than move unpredictably.
Some passengers say the service is quick and easy to book, while others have opted for it because of the added security. The service costs around €6 to €12 more (£5 to £10) than standard long-stay parking.
When it launched, the service required a minimum stay of five days and was mainly available on weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm. Gatwick says these restrictions will be gradually eased.
Top stories
Now playing
Next
Robot valet parking at Gatwick Airport promises safer, easier long‑stay car storage
Now playing
Next
At least two killed and tents destroyed in Israeli strikes on Gaza camps
Now playing
Next
University students launch ‘student list’ to shake up Serbia’s elections
Now playing
Next
Latest news bulletin | September 15th, 2026 – Midday
Now playing
Next
US military admits it is facing munitions shortfall due to Iran war
Now playing
Next
Latest news bulletin | September 15th, 2026 – Morning
Now playing
Next
Iran seizes assets of 240 dissidents as protest arrests top 6,000
Now playing
Next
Germany to deploy troops to Lithuania after volunteer shortfall
Now playing
Next
EU halves cheap parcel influx in bid to rein in Chinese e-commerce
Now playing
Next
Ceuta crisis drives EU towards tougher migration stance
Now playing
Next
Trump claims Russia-Ukraine energy truce, AI slowdown rattles markets
Now playing
Next
EU finally taking heed of Baltic warnings over Russia, Latvian PM says
Now playing
Next
EU has ‘the power’ to lead on ‘global treaty on AI’, says MEP Brando Benifei
Now playing
Next
No, the EU isn’t demanding that Ukraine mobilise women against Russia’s invasion
Now playing
Next
Most Europeans say a second language is useful. Not everyone can actually speak one
Now playing
Next
Beyond the Silk Road: Visitors stay longer, spend more and venture further across Uzbekistan