REPOST: Bristol Zoo 'could lose £500,000 a year' if parking plans refused

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BBC News reports that the Bristol Zoo Gardens could suffer financially if plans to construct a 700-space car park on the Downs don’t push through.

Bristol Zoo Gardens could lose over £500,000 a year if its application to put a 700-space car park on the Downs is turned down, its boss has said.

The zoo wants to renew planning consent to use land off Ladies Mile as an overflow car park on up to 60 days a year, for five years.

Groups including Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society and Bristol Ramblers have opposed the plans.

The application will be discussed by the city council on 24 July.

'No detrimental impact'

The zoo has been using the overflow car park on the Downs since the 1970s.

Dr Bryan Carroll, the zoo's chief operating officer said a refusal of the application would have a "significant impact on our business".

"Our commitment to conservation shows that we would not be requesting this overflow facility if we believed, in any way, that we would damage the land.

"We don't park on there on wet days and we closely monitor the impact of use. Ecological studies have shown no detrimental impact since 2006 when the studies started."

Organisations including Destination Bristol, Clifton College and some people who live near to the zoo, support the application.

Mr Carroll said the application was submitted after carrying out a feasibility study to investigate any potential alternatives.

"This work has shown that there is a need to continue overflow parking on Ladies Mile for some years to come, in order to meet the travel needs of its visitors in the most responsible way," he added.

'No Plan B'

Bristol Ramblers believe the application should be refused because it would have "an adverse effect on people's enjoyment of the Downs".

The group also said in a statement: "The site of the car park is on several routes which are popular with walkers and joggers.

"The site is particularly important because areas for carefree, uninterrupted walking are limited by other activities on the Downs."

Richard Bland from Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society said: "We have been campaigning against this for the past 10 years and are glad others are joining in.

"The zoo uses it [the overflow car park] with great care and responsibility but that's not really the point - it encourages others to park on the Downs.

"Our concern is that they have no Plan B - if the council turns it down they have not dreamed up an alternative."

Anthony Preza, owner of Park Plus Valet Parking Service, Inc., keeps a close watch on issues and debates with themes of paradises and parking lots. This website dishes insights on the challenges and opportunities in the parking industry, especially where concerns about the environment are compelling considerations.

Parking management 101

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There are many facets to running a business smoothly. Orders for supplies must always be made just in time—not beforehand—to save on storage, facilities must always be in top shape, and staff members must always be at their very best behavior. These and many other seemingly small details comprise the customer experience. Any slip ups may lead to a complaint, bad review, or in the worst case, loss of revenue. As much as possible, therefore, business owners must invest in ensuring their customers are happy with the place, the product, and the service.

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When piecing together how a business will achieve this, several traditional perks come to mind: refreshments upon entry, freebies when guests leave, and recently, valet parking. Historically, valet parking is a feature provided only in exclusive and upscale locations. Having it in a regular business adds class to the scene and makes customers feel extra special.

In general, businesses that operate out of their own location need to allot ample parking space for the customers they expect to receive. Establishments, like shopping malls or office buildings, must require a ticketing system to secure cars from theft and ensure that space is being paid for. Managing the staff to man the ticketing booth and to protect the lot is a difficult task. Building the lot is the easiest part; managing it is practically another business on its own.

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Valet parking makes things easy for both the guests and the business owner. Customers are always happy not to have to wait in line to find space to park, and are equally appreciative of having their car taken to them in the driveway. Having designated drivers, who take the worry off the customers, results in an overall great visiting experience. Knowing who those in charge of bringing cars in and out of the lot also makes it easy for the business owner to manage.


To learn more about parking management, follow valet service expert Anthony Preza on this Twitter account.

Determining the efficiency of a valet parking service

Convenience is the basic advantage of a valet parking service. Car owners who have had a hard time searching for a secure parking space can valet-park without the hassle. However, convenience is just one of the many benefits customers can acquire from this service; other advantages include safety, time efficiency, and space maximization.

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 Valet parking makes it possible to accommodate “stack parking,” where valet attendants park vehicles in a “vertical space” to make it easy to free a blocked-in car. This type of parking is ideal for events where guests arrive at the same time, such as a wedding reception or a conference.

Valet parking also allows car owners to park their automobiles closer and straighter than the conventional set-up. This saves them space in the parking lot or garage, and prevents the inconvenience of having them go through several floors by stuffing everything on one storey.

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 Many parking company owners develop a system where operations are made efficient even when the customer traffic reaches its peak. Anthony Preza of ParkPlus Valet Parking Service, for example, employs rigorous training and auditing programs that promote high-quality parking management and service excellence. He and his executive team assign the responsibility to their employees for maintaining a reputation for professional service, honesty, and commitment.

 Majority of professional valet attendants are well-informed about almost every make and model of car and the specific features, including aftermarket alarm systems and keyless ignitions.

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More about the valet parking industry can be read here.