A recent police operation has targeted rogue parking companies near Bristol Airport in response to numerous complaints from travelers. The action, which was orchestrated by Avon and Somerset Police, focused on tracking down unofficial parking services in the North Somerset area.
Bristol Airport’s Crackdown on Unofficial Parking Sites
Reports highlighted that numerous customers faced car damages and issues of unexplained mileage on their vehicles. During the operation, officers visited three separate car parks associated with these unofficial parking operators.
Findings from the Operation
The police discovered alarming conditions at the sites:
- No staff were present at any of the three parking sites.
- Many vehicles were left insecure.
- A caravan was found being used as an office, containing what appeared to be customers’ car keys.
Some travelers reported troubling experiences. One family was instructed to take a taxi to a remote farm where they were left waiting for over three hours before retrieving their vehicle. Another family with young children was similarly stranded and later assisted by airport staff who offered them accommodation.
Official Statements and Advice
Councillor Annemieke Waite from North Somerset Council expressed her concern, noting, “When deals look too good to be true, they usually are.” She emphasized that the off-site parking operators lacked necessary planning permissions and had never been evaluated against planning policies.
Sgt. Danielle Hardaway of Avon and Somerset Police stated that the handling and storage of customer vehicles could be shocking. She urged travelers to only use the official Bristol Airport website or recognized parking providers for secure parking options.
For anyone experiencing issues with parking services, the police and North Somerset Council encourage immediate reporting to address these unsafe practices and protect future travelers.
