Manchester Airport and police crack down on rogue car parks

Passengers are urged to check out firms before handing over their car keys to fraudulent operators.

The fresh warning has been issued after Cheshire Police joined forces with Greater Manchester Police in June to tackle unscrupulous activity.

Operation Cicero was mounted as part of a multi agency clampdown to tackle rogue meet and greet parking firms.

Holidaymakers had reported incidents relating to car parks operating near the airport at Lode Hill, Styal and Moss Lane.

Cars parked illegally on Lode Hill after holidaymakers had been told they would be stored securely

Issues included car thefts and criminal damage to some drivers returning home to find their cars had been driven thousands of miles while they had been on holiday.

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

Around 150 people returned home to find their car keys were missing and their vehicles were stuck in a boggy field in Styal.

The police are continuing to crackdown on rogue firms.

A convoy of police vehicles leaving Wilmslow police station as part of Operation Cicero

The airport is also taking action to combat congestion caused by the increased number of taxis and private hire vehicles travelling to and from the airport.

A dedicated private hire waiting area is now available for drivers to use in between jobs, so that there is no need for vehicles to wait in neighbouring residential areas.

The cost of staying in this area has been cut by half during the school holidays so drivers can wait for up to three hours for just £1.

Private hire firms are being contacted directly by the airport with details of the new arrangement.

The airport will consider renewing this scheme over subsequent busy periods if it proves successful.

One private hire driver, Zaheer Aslam, said: “That's absolutely brilliant news. Didn't know this place existed.

“Great to use the toilet. Well done to everyone involved sorting this out.”

Chris Woodroofe, managing director at Manchester Airport, said: “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.

“However, when a high number of private hire vehicles wait in neighbouring residential areas, it can create congestion and increase the risk of inconsiderate or illegal parking.

“That is why we have introduced this scheme for the summer holiday period.

“We continue to take the issue of rogue meet and greet firms very seriously.

“In addition to our own official parking, there are a number of reliable and reputable third-party providers 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.

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, said: “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.

“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 holidaymakers play their part.

“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.”

To find out more about these schemes visit parkmark.co.uk or buywithconfidence.gov.uk.