BRIT holidaymakers have been warned of the risk of huge bills thanks to “rogue meet and greet” firms parking cars in the wrong place at a major UK airport.
Drivers have faced charges of up to £100 thanks to shady unregulated companies posing as reputable parking services.
1
Gatwick Airport is one of the nation’s busiest and best, but the site has been targeted by a crop of unscrupulous parking businesses.
One driver claimed last year that he had to make his way home in a taxi after one such firm allegedly lost his Mercedes.
Another claimed that her motor had been taken on a 200-mile joyride while she was overseas.
Now, West Sussex Trading Standards have teamed up with the county’s police to urge travellers to take care when booking airport parking to avoid being ripped off.
The agency explained that it receives regular reports from customers who have had bad experiences with the services, but airport bosses say there’s nothing they can do.
Customers have reported issues including their vehicles being dumped in short-stay car parks while they are on holiday, leaving them facing a £100 penalty notice when they return.
These “rogue” firms often look official and may even have “Gatwick” in their name but are not formally associated with the airport and don’t have any formal status on the site.
However, as long as they are registered businesses, they can operate around the airport legally as long as they don’t breach the existing by-laws.
Inspector James Biggs, from Sussex Police, said: “Travellers seeking to use ‘meet and greet’ parking services should do their homework before deciding which company to use.
“Online tools are available to help travellers with their research. If you book through an agent online, you should be aware that your vehicle may be allocated to a number of companies on their books.
“By doing your research you will be more confident to leave your vehicle with your chosen company and enjoy your travels.”
Gary Wallace, Head of Parking for London Gatwick, added: “Gatwick Airport has no relationship with these rogue ‘meet and greet’ parking companies, even though many of them have ‘Gatwick’ in their company name.
“Legally rogue firms can operate on the airport as long as they do not break our by-laws.
“For complete peace of mind, I would strongly recommend that passengers use official on-airport parking.”
If you think you have been a victim of unfair practices by a parking firm at Gatwick, you can contact West Sussex Trading Standards using their reporting tool online.
Alternatively, you can call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.
