Bristol Airport parking scam leaves families stranded

These scam companies are operating near to Bristol Airport, which is used by families across the South West, and encouraging customers to park at unofficial car parks near to the airport.

Multiple customers have complained of cars being returned with criminal damage and unexplained additional mileage.

One family was told to take a taxi to a farm where they were made to wait an hour, before being told to go to another farm, where they waited a further two hours before their vehicle was eventually returned to them.

Another family with two distressed children was also apparently stranded.

Families were encouraged to leave their cars with the unofficial parking companies (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)

A joint operation has now been carried out by Avon and Somerset Police, the Immigration Enforcement Team, British Parking Association and North Somerset Council and targeted three specific sites used by the unofficial parking firms.

On arrival, officers found the sites had no staff present, and the ‘offices’ used consisted of insecure vehicles and a caravan which contained what appeared to be keys to customers’ vehicles.

One driver working on behalf of the unaccredited parking operators was stopped in a customer’s car and has since been reported for driving a motor vehicle without insurance.

Police officers and other staff involved in the operation helped customers facing difficulty getting to locations where their cars were stored, while others were advised by the parking operators they would be reimbursed by them if they booked a taxi.

The agencies involved in this operation are now urging all users of Bristol Airport to make sure they only leave their vehicles in the hands of legal parking companies.

Some vehicles were returned damaged or with additional mileage (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)

“People would be horrified if they understood how their vehicles are used and stored, and some have complained about unexplained additional mileage," said Sergeant Danielle Hardaway, an officer in the operation.

"The last thing anyone wants is the worry over whether their car will be returned to them when they return from holiday.

“This crackdown follows a similar, successful operation in June as we continue to receive complaints from people over unaccredited parking operators in the area, and we will keep working with our partners to tackle them.

“We urge everybody to make sure they check the full terms and conditions of any parking operator, to check review sites for other peoples’ experiences, and to look for the British Parking Association’s police-backed Park Mark Safer Parking scheme, so they have the confidence they are booking with an accredited company.”

Dave Lees, Chief Executive at Bristol Airport, added: “We welcome this latest operation to target rogue operators who cause distress to customers who trust them with their vehicles – many of which are left insecure in fields, roads and laybys to the annoyance of local residents.

“We urge everyone to check the car park they are using has adequate accreditation.

"All of our car parks have CCTV, and are manned or patrolled 24/7, so customers have peace of mind knowing their vehicle is safely parked while they enjoy their trip away.”

Earlier this year Bristol Airport invested in new parking infrastructure including new Silver Zone entry cameras and entry and exit barriers with ANPR technology.

People looking to book Bristol Airport car parking should use the Airport’s official website.

The airport also offers a waiting zone next to car rentals that is free for an hour with complimentary shuttle buses to and from the terminal forecourt, which encourages people to use as an alternative to waiting in residential areas, laybys, or restricted areas.