Family-run business owners have been left without their van and £40,000 worse off after a car park malfunctioned. Mark Lucas, co-owner of HCS Furniture, parked his in a mechanical stacked car park near in London in December 2022. However, more than two years later, he is yet to be able to retrieve it due to a "mechanical malfunction" in the complex.

The stacked system allows for cars to be parked on top of each other using platforms and lifts, maximising space for vehicles. In January 2023, the businessman was informed that new parts were required, yet 26 months on, Mr Lucas claims he hasn't received an update. Speaking to the , Mr Lucas explained: "It was about six o'clock that evening, we went back to the concierge and said, 'can we have the van back?' To which he said, 'we're very sorry, but you can't, because the stacking system has malfunctioned'."

After reassurance that his vehicle would soon be returned, he and his co-owner Steve Davies hired another van temporarily, costing the business £800 a month. Mr Davies explained how they continued to rent after being told it wouldn't be much longer, receiving an "occasional update".

The business owner's costs continued to soar as they needed to hire a second vehicle, while paying off a loan for the van that was trapped.

"After a couple of years of renting, we decided we can't afford to do this anymore, so we gave the hire van back and took out another loan to buy a second van. In total, I estimate we are currently about £40,000 out of pocket," Mr Davies told the broadcaster.

The delay in the car park, located at Rathbone Square, was originally blamed on the need for new parts, with an initial estimation of 40 weeks. However, a year later, Mr Lucas was told the repairs were not going to take place before May 2024.

The complex has agreed to cover any losses they faced once the issue has been resolved, yet the pair are unable to claim back any money through insurance in the interim.

Expressing their frustration over the lack of communication, they said they are unable to plan for anything in the near future while they don't know what's happening with the vehicle.

A spokesperson from Double Parking Systems said: "As the contracted maintenance provider for the automated parking system at Rathbone Square, we want to address recent concerns about the extended period during which a vehicle was inaccessible. First, it's important to clarify that we were not involved in the design, manufacture, or installation of the system.

"Our role has always been strictly limited to maintenance and repair services, as directed by the managing agent. When a major fault occurred in December 2022, we responded quickly - attending the site within hours and submitting repair quotations shortly after. Unfortunately, the main causes of delay in resolving the issue were prolonged procurement approval processes and delays in receiving specialised parts from overseas suppliers - factors entirely outside of our control.

"While we regret how long it took to restore access, we acted in good faith at every stage and proceeded with repairs as soon as we were authorised and equipped to do so. Vehicle access was fully restored on 15 March 2025. We remain fully committed to supporting the reliability, safety, and performance of the parking system moving forward."

The Express has contacted Rathbone Square for comment.