Motorists can park in central London and still avoid C-charge (05/02/2007)

Hundreds of motorists are expected to make a beeline for a Westminster car park when the western extension to the congestion charging zone becomes operational later this month.

The car park on the west side of Park Lane under Hyde Park - one of Europe’s largest single storey underground car parks - is the only public parking facility on the free corridor that passes through the congestion zone.

As long as motorists stay on the "Free Route" formed by the Inner Ring Road, which includes Edgware Road, Park Lane and Vauxhall Bridge Road, then they can escape the £8 weekday charge - saving themselves £40 a week or £160 a month.

Westminster City Council, which manages the car park trading as Masterpark, is expecting a flurry of motorists to take advantage of its location and has recorded an upsurge in interest in applications for its parking season tickets.

Martin Low, Director of Transportation at Westminster, said: "The City Council is opposed to the western extension of the congestion charge because we believe it will have a negative impact on Westminster's residents, businesses and visitors.

"But by sticking to the free corridor and using the Park Lane Masterpark car park, motorists can park in central London in a safe and secure environment and avoid the C-Charge altogether."

The car park has space for 663 vehicles, all monitored by CCTV. Tariffs start at £6 for two hours rising to £28 for 24 hours.

There is also a low night rate of £14. Shoppers can also use the car park's free Park and Ride shuttle service ferrying people to Oxford Street and Bond Street on Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

The City Council previously urged the Mayor of London to abandon the western extension to the Congestion Charge in light of the overwhelming public opposition to the scheme.

However, the Council has been working with Transport for London for the last year to try to ensure that the scheme is implemented with as few adverse effects on Westminster's residents, businesses and visitors as possible.

For more information please contact Oliver Finegold at Westminster City Council press office on 0207 641 2259.

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Notes for editors:

Photos of the Park Lane car park are available on request.

The Park Lane car park is part of the Masterpark Theatreland Parking Scheme.

To qualify, theatre goers need to get their car park ticket validated at the theatre's cashier's booth. When they then pay at the car park they will receive a 50 per cent discount off the standard rate tariff for up to 72 hours.