One of the country's biggest airports has launched a crackdown on rogue car parking operators who leave vehicles lining nearby streets and fields. Unscrupulous firms also create havoc for the holidaymakers returning from their travels to find their vehicles have been driven for thousands of miles, damaged or even targeted for theft.
Manchester Airport has linked up with Manchester City Council and the region’s police forces to reassure residents in communities surrounding the hub that action is being taken to tackle inconsiderate and illegal parking. The latest campaign follows the launch of Operation Cicero in June, with the aim of identifying any wrongdoing and taking enforcement action where appropriate, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Rogue firms have previously caused problems in the Wythenshawe area, leaving vehicles for long periods of time on residential streets, despite claiming they would be stored securely. With the airport now entering what is likely to be its busiest month since 2019, those set to travel are being urged to do their due diligence on firms offering parking services before making a booking.
It comes as Manchester Airport prepares for its busiest month since 2019, with travellers urged to ensure they are booking parking with reputable firms. One homeowner in Wythenshawe said: "We see these dodgy firms parking cars all the time and it doesn't feel like the airport is actually doing anything at all. Ringway is so congested - and after lockdown it's even more noticeable."
But Chris Woodroofe, managing director at Manchester Airport, insisted it was taking rogue meet and greet firms 'very seriously', adding: " In addition to our own official parking, there are a number of reliable and reputable third-party providers located near the airport and we would always urge passengers to do their research before handing over their keys.
“We encourage customers to use initiatives such as Park Mark and the government-backed Buy with Confidence scheme to find a provider that has undergone a series of detailed checks and is committed to trading fairly.”
Park Mark is a Police Crime Prevention Initiative designed to tackle crime in parking facilities, with over 5,000 accredited car parks in the UK, whilst Buy With Confidence is a government scheme listing providers vetted and approved by Trading Standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.
Inspector Andrew Baker, from Cheshire Police, added: “When booking airport car parks people often go for the cheapest option – but sometimes this isn’t the best choice. We have received a number of complaints from residents in relation to rogue parking companies which are operating near Manchester Airport.
"These companies claim to be secure car parks which are affiliated to the airport. In reality, the vehicles are often stored in insecure muddy fields. As a result, we have had reports of vehicles being damaged or even having parts stolen.
"In other cases, we’ve been contacted by people who’ve returned home to find their vehicles have been driven thousands of miles while they’ve been on holiday. While we are committed to working closely with our partners to tackle these issues, it’s essential that holiday makers play their part."
He added: "I would urge anyone who is going on holiday and looking to book a parking slot, to do their research, choose a reputable company and always book through an official website and don’t just go for the cheapest option. Otherwise your car may be touring the UK while you are travelling the world.”
Action is also planned to combat congestion caused by caused by the increased number of taxis and private hire vehicles travelling to and from the airport at the height of the summer season by cutting the cost of using its dedicated private hire waiting area to just £1 for three hours.
Mr Woodroofe added: "We understand that for taxi drivers, particularly those based some distance from the airport, it makes financial sense to wait in the area for a return fare rather than to make the return journey without a passenger."
