Changes to staff parking from 2023
Last updated - 22 February 2023
In 2020, the College instituted a system whereby staff that needed to be on-campus could book free daily parking. This operated alongside the longstanding system where staff could apply for annual parking permits.
Due to our Central London location, we have exceptionally limited parking capacity, comprised of around 180 spaces for over 8000 staff members. The implementation of free daily parking was, at the time, an operational response to unprecedented circumstances. However, as the impact of COVID-19 recedes, we must ensure that the limited parking that we do have is prioritised for those that need it most. From Monday 13 March, we reinstated the pre-2020 system for car parking at South Kensington.
Annual parking permit
The primary means for staff to park at South Kensington is to apply for an annual parking permit. A permit allows you to park between 07.00-18.00 from Monday to Friday.
So that we can provide maximum flexibility for staff that may be hybrid working, permits do not need to be assigned to one individual and can be shared by two colleagues (as long as only one individual uses it on any given day).
Apply for an annual permit
Daily parking
Due to our exceptionally limited parking capacity, free daily parking for staff during office hours is no longer available.
We appreciate that there are certain circumstances where parking is required for an operational necessity, particularly for contractors and essential visitors. There are a limited number of ‘urgent spaces’ available on a first-come-first-served basis. As usual, these should be booked via each Departmental Car Parking Representative.
Parking outside of office hours
Monday- Friday 18:00-00:00 and Saturday-Sunday 07:00-00:00 (outside of office hours)
The car park is open to the public on a chargeable basis outside of office hours, subject to availability.
Subject to availability, staff may park free of charge outside of office hours, on presentation of valid College ID at the Exhibition Road Gatehouse. If a valid ID is not presented the standard public parking charges apply. Parking is not permitted during the Great Exhibition Road Festival and Summer Ball weekends. Please note that as we are open to the paying public out of hours, we cannot guarantee staff a parking space; when the car park is full you will be refused entry.
Staff must be the driver of the car or they will be charged the published rate of £4.00 per hour.
There is a £31.00 fee if exiting after midnight.
Overnight parking is prohibited in all cases unless prior authorisation is obtained, please contact Anne-Marie Clarke, Personal Assistant to the Director of Estates Operations on 020 7594 9001 should there be a need to park overnight. For all authorised overnight car parking requests payment is required for each night at £31.00 per night.
