Manchester Airport cracks down on rogue airport parking traders

It follows numerous complaints by holidaymakers after cars parked near the airport by fraudulent operators were discovered damaged and stolen.

Some owners were shocked to find their vehicles had been driven thousands of miles while they were relaxing on a break.

Some firms left vehicles for long periods on residential streets, despite claiming that they would be stored securely.

Police swooped after dozens of holidaymakers lodged complaints about a fraudulent car park operating in Styal (Image: Cheshire Police)

One makeshift ‘meet and greet’ car park in Styal was shut down earlier this year after multi-agency team joined forces with the police.

Now, in a major move to safeguard consumers, the International Parking Community (IPC) has launched the Accredited Airport Parking Provider (AAPP) scheme, aimed at ensuring high standards for meet and greet and park and ride services.

Today, Manchester Airport becomes the first UK airport  to adopt the AAPP scheme, leading the charge in combatting unethical practices and providing its passengers with greater security and peace of mind.

Cars left by holidaymakers were found damaged in a spate of previous incidents at rogue car parks near the airport (Image: Cheshire Police)

By committing to the IPC’s scheme, Manchester Airport is leading the way in protecting its customers from rogue traders who have tarnished the reputation of airport parking.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring integrity and high levels of service for meet and greet and park and ride airport parking providers across the country.

The new scheme introduces a comprehensive framework designed to safeguard motorists from fraudulent practices.

Rogue traders were operating illegal parking scams near Manchester Airport (Image: Cheshire Police)

Parking providers must adhere to a stringent set of standards and undergo regular audits to ensure compliance.

The scheme ensures a high level of service and safeguards against financial losses, compromised safety, and potential vehicle damage caused by rogue traders.

Motorists can now trust accredited providers, identifiable through an official AAPP badge, guaranteeing the highest level of service.

Sue West, director of landside operations at Manchester Airport said: “We’re proud to connect the people of the North to the world, whether they’re travelling on their holidays, for business or to see family and friends.

“It’s really important to us that we do everything we can to make sure that while our customers are on their travels they can focus on what they’re away to do, whether that’s relaxing or getting on with work – and that means not having to worry about their vehicles if they’ve parked them at the airport or in a car park nearby.

“Being the first UK airport to adopt the Accredited Airport Parking Provider scheme means our passengers can easily find parking at the airport and go away with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their chosen car park has been inspected, that those working there have to uphold high standards and that in the unlikely event something does go wrong while they’re away there’s a straightforward process.

“It means that when our passengers arrive here they can park their car, relax and start their holiday at the airport.”

Should issues arise, the scheme offers a clear complaints process, with an escalation path to the IPC for unresolved cases. 

A consumer awareness campaign will be rolled out to help consumers identify and avoid rogue traders.

This will include certified provider listings, social media campaigns, and collaborations with airports nationwide. 

The rise of rogue traders within the airport meet and greet and park and ride services has resulted in significant financial and safety risks for travellers. These fraudulent operators exploit unsuspecting motorists, often leaving them with damaged vehicles or hefty fees.

The IPC, through the AAPP scheme, is committed to stamping out these unethical practices by implementing robust auditing, transparent complaints processes, and comprehensive consumer education. 

Will Hurley, chief executive officer of the IPC, said: "The IPC is dedicated to ensuring that passengers have a safe and pleasant experience when using meet and greet or park and ride services at airports.

“The AAPP scheme will not only protect consumers but also elevate the standards of the entire industry." 

To check accredited providers visit aapp.uk