Parking lot malfunction leaves man’s van stuck for over 2 years, he claims $50,000 in replacement costs
- A British firm saw its Vauxhall van stuck for over two years
- The system at the electric-operated car park had malfunctioned
- The owners were forced to rent and then buy a replacement van
Published on May 02, 2025 at 7:49 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on May 02, 2025 at 8:02 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
A British man was left bemused as a parking lot malfunction meant his Vauxhall van was stuck for over two years.
The van was used by a UK furniture store but sat idle for over two years in a broken mechanical parking lot.
It was one of 40 vehicles stuck, with Mark Lucas, the man who realized his van was entombed in the structure, back in December 2022.
Lucas and his business are now claiming $50,000 in replacement costs after being forced to rent and buy a replacement van.
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How the Vauxhall van got stuck in 2022
Lucas, a co-owner of the furniture store who operated the van, parked it in the building in December 2022.
He had asked for the van back at around 6pm that evening.
According to the BBC, he was then told by the concierge that the system had malfunctioned.
By January 2023, Lucas and the business were told it would be at least 40 weeks until the system was fixed.
The business was forced to rent a replacement, seeing the firm lose over $1,000 a month in costs.
After an initial eight-month wait, they were forced to buy a new vehicle.
In total, it cost Lucas and his business over $53,000 in additional expenses.
The van made its return in April 2025
Thankfully, the Vauxhall van made its way back into their hands in April 2025.
It was one of 40 vehicles stuck in the car park.
All of their owners will have faced similar problems.
The vehicles, once recovered, may have numerous problems, such as seized brakes, flat tires, and flat batteries.
Lucas and other owners will be seeking insurance payouts for the stress and damage caused over the two years.
There are basic insurance claims for damages.
But owners may also be able to claim for the ‘loss of enjoyment’ of their vehicles.
The biggest issue is that it is unclear which organization would be held liable for compensation.
However, Lucas is just glad the ordeal appears to be over after a very stressful two years.
Fingers crossed, he doesn’t need to pay much more to get the Vauxhall back on the road again.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
