Car parks adopt dynamic pricing causing driver confusion
Car parks are increasingly using dynamic pricing where rates change based on demand, leading to confusion among drivers.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Car parks are increasingly using dynamic pricing, where rates change based on demand, leading to confusion among drivers. The practice, already common for gig tickets and taxis, is now being applied to pre-booked parking spaces online.
Q-Park, one of Europe's largest car park operators, uses dynamic pricing for pre-booked parking. A test by a news outlet showed a space at Piccadilly Place in Manchester between 10am and 6pm on a Wednesday cost £29, but the same space on a Saturday was just over £17, almost £12 less. Another example: a space at Liverpool One for 10 hours on a Monday morning was £27, but booking the same space for the same time the following Friday afternoon was £25, £2 less. Q-Park says booking further in advance can get a better price.
Other operators, such as JustPark, which includes people's driveways and car parks, also use dynamic pricing. JustPark told the BBC it operates an online marketplace where drivers see clear pricing before booking, but prices go up and down depending on demand and availability. If there is an event in the area, drivers can expect to pay more.
Motoring organisations say changing prices could lead to more confusion. One expert noted: "I think the problem perhaps with dynamic pricing is it's going to be much harder for drivers to work out whether the price they see initially is the best price or not. Should they have booked a week earlier? Do they leave it a few more days? I think it's that unpredictability which motorists may feel like they're going to be caught out with."
Dynamic pricing is widespread in other industries. The Bank of England expects around 30% of UK businesses to use it by next year, including supermarkets. The practice is legal but must follow rules, such as being clear that prices can change.
An expert commented: "So dynamic pricing is one of those things that it's not inherently good and it's not inherently bad. It can be used in a way that's really beneficial for both parties, for both consumers and for the people trying to make extra money. It can also be used in a way that's really detrimental for consumers. So the key here is to make sure that you're working with your customers to make sure that A, you aren't ripping them off and B, they don't feel like they're getting a bad deal."
As dynamic pricing becomes more common, drivers are advised to check prices carefully and consider booking in advance to secure a better deal.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC One |
|---|---|
| A pre-booked parking space at Piccadilly Place in Manchester cost £29 on a Wednesday and just over £17 on a Saturday. | |
| Q-Park uses dynamic pricing for pre-booked parking. | |
| The Bank of England expects around 30% of UK businesses to use dynamic pricing by next year, including in supermarkets. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The BBC ONE West report focused on explaining dynamic pricing in car parks with concrete examples of price differences, highlighting the potential confusion for drivers. It included a balanced expert view on the pros and cons and noted the legal status. The tone was informative and neutral, aiming to educate viewers about a growing trend.
- “I think the problem perhaps with dynamic pricing is it's going to be much harder for drivers to work out whether the price they see initially is the best price or not.”
- “So dynamic pricing is one of those things that it's not inherently good and it's not inherently bad. It can be used in a way that's really beneficial for both parties, for both consumers and for the people trying to make extra money.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.