Manchester Airport scheme to tackle rogue Cheshire car park operators

Sites in the county have previously been visited by police

Bosses at Manchester Airport have signed up to a new initiate designed to give holidaymakers parking up cars ahead of getaways greater peace of mind. Announcing the news, officials say 'rogue' operators in the car parking industry have long caused misery for passengers, as well as landowners.

The International Parking Community (IPC) - a leading trade association dedicated to promoting best practices and high standards within the private parking sector - has launched its Accredited Airport Parking Provider (AAPP) scheme. Manchester Airport said yesterday it has become the first UK airport to adopt the scheme, saying it was 'leading the charge in combatting unethical practices and providing its passengers with greater security and peace of mind'.

Manchester Evening News reports how rogue traders who advertise plots of land for parking and charge fees without offering vehicle security, added airport bosses, have 'tarnished the reputation of airport parking', a spokesman said. A rogue meet and greet car park near the airport was shut down after a police crackdown last year.

Two sites in Styal, Cheshire, were targeted in an operation after complaints from holidaymakers who found so-called firms online, giving the impression they were booking with professional, secure parking linked to the airport, police said.

The new scheme introduces a framework designed to safeguard motorists from fraud. Key benefits include:

• Strict standards and audits: Parking providers must adhere to a stringent set of standards and undergo regular audits to ensure compliance.
• Enhanced consumer protection: The scheme ensures a high level of service and safeguards against financial losses, compromised safety, and potential vehicle damage caused by rogue traders.
• Consumer peace of mind: Motorists can now trust accredited providers, identifiable through an official AAPP badge, guaranteeing the highest level of service. Accredited providers can also be easily found via the website www.aapp.uk
• A complaints procedure: Should issues arise, the scheme offers a clear complaints process, with an escalation path to the IPC for unresolved cases.
• Consumer education: 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 airport said the rise of rogue traders within airport meet and greet and park and ride services has resulted in 'significant financial and safety risks for travellers'.

A spokesperson said: "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."

Sue West, Director of Landside Operations at Manchester Airport, said: "Here at Manchester Airport 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."

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