Motorists warned of ‘meet and greet’ airport parking scams this half term break – how to avoid being caught out
Customers returning from holiday could find their cars in muddy fields if they fall victim to parking scams
UK DRIVERS are being warned to check where they leave their cars when jetting off on holiday, after a string of airport parking scams.
But being vigilant when booking parking can help you avoid frustration when returning home this half term break.
Solihull Council has warned motorists to be on the look out for "meet and greet" services, which offer cheap and secure airport parking.
Holidaymakers returned home to find their vehicles hadn't been looked after by private firms in a number of incidents over the last few years.
Scammers were found guilty of abandoning cars in muddy fields, residential streets and public car parks.
In some cases, customers returned to their cars covered in dirt and with parking fines on their windscreen.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CAR AGAINST 'MEET AND GREET' SCAMMERS
- Choose a reputable company: Use one of the main car parking companies whose name you recognise.
- Visit the official airport website: All of the major UK airports have links to approved airport parking sites.
- Use a member of a car parking trade association: You can trust any car parks listed as a member of the International Parking Community or the British Parking Association.
- Pre-book in advance: You'll be able to compare different options and prices.
- Remove or hide any valuables: Even when using secure car parking, it's important to keep valuables out of sight.
The council has offered some tips for drivers to ensure they don't have to worry about their car while out of the country.
If you're planning on leaving your car in a paid car park, be sure to select a company with a solid reputation.
If you are unsure whether a company is trustworthy, you can check if they're a member of the International Parking Community or British Parking Association.
All of the UK's major airports have links to car parks which have been approved and safe to use.
And even when using a secure car park, it's important to remove any valuables from the car to reduce the risk of a break-in.
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In July last year, Shagufta Khan, director of Best Meet and Greet Ltd, was ordered to do 50 hours of community service after she was found guilty of misleading people flying from Gatwick airport with secure parking.
Using fake testimonials on a website, Khan conned travellers into leaving their vehicles with her which were then parked in a muddy field near the airport.
And dozens of travellers were left stranded at Bristol Airport for several hours last year, after a parking company was accused of dumping their cars in muddy fields.
Police said a "significant" number of motorists were unable to recover their vehicles from the parking firm, which was not connected with the airport.
Another meet and greet firm boss was fined £3,567 for parking a customer's car outside his own home near Manchester airport.