Sham parking firms fail to return 20 cars to Brit holidaymakers leaving them stranded at major UK airport
Some of the cars were left undrivable
PARK AND HIDE Sham parking firms fail to return 20 cars to Brit holidaymakers leaving them stranded at major UK airport
BRIT holidaymakers were left marooned at an airport after finding their cars missing.
They left their motors with rogue parking firms who failed to return them.
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Bristol Airport terminal
Credit: Alamy
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One of the cars seized during the operation targeting unofficial parking companies near Bristol Airport
Credit: SWNS
Homebound Brits were left stranded upon their arrival back in the UK at Bristol Airport, after 20 cars failed to be returned to their owners.
Police have launched a crackdown operation against these unofficial 'companies' after receiving numerous complaints.
The reports to the police detailed vehicles sustaining damage and unaccounted extra miles on the clock.
The airport's policing team collaborated with the Immigration Enforcement Team, North Somerset Council and the Motor Insurance Bureau during an enforcement day on June 3.
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The forces discovered 20 vehicles which had not been returned to their rightful owners.
Consequently, many were left marooned at Bristol Airport for hours waiting for their cars to be recovered before they could get back home.
Some of those unable to leave the airport were families with young children.
The officer in the case supporting the operation, Sgt Danielle Hardaway said: "The last thing anyone wants is the worry over whether their car will be returned to them or not when they return from holiday.
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"This operation was carried out as part of our commitment to keep the airport safe, maintain vehicle standards, and to promote the safety of passengers going to and from the airport, who should be able to do so with confidence in using licensed vehicles.
"We have had reports of cars being returned damaged or with excess mileage and, in some cases, have been driven by people who are uninsured as well as being involved in driving offences."
The cars have now been returned to their owners by the police.
However many of them were found to be in undrivable or unroadworthy conditions.
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Avon and Somerset police even reported that some cars had been left in hazardous or obstructive places around nearby villages - such that they required towing.
The police have issued a photo which shows one customer's car being used to distribute keys around the local areas.
In the picture, keys are piled on the front seat and in the footwell, which poses a threat risk.
Following the operation, investigations are underway into three unlicensed 'taxis' and other suspected offences including no insurance, immigration, and licensing issues.
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Dave Lees, Chief Executive, Bristol Airport, said: "We welcome this latest operation and will continue to work with colleagues at Avon and Somerset Police and North Somerset Council to tackle these rogue operators.
"They are a nuisance to local communities and cause distress to customers who use them – with many completely unaware of where their cars end up.
"We urge everyone to look for the Park Mark accreditation, which all of our car parks have, so they have the peace of mind knowing their vehicle is safely parked while they enjoy their trip away.
"We also ask our customers to be respectful of our neighbours and not to park or drop off outside their houses or drop litter."
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Sgt Hardaway also offered some guidance to holidaymakers to avoid this happening in future: "We are now in the summer months and therefore a busy holiday season for both travellers and Bristol Airport alike.
"We ask people to always choose reputable parking operators, and to choose them carefully, and if the price seems too good to be true, then it often is."
"We advise people, when booking parking anywhere, to look for the British Parking Association's police-backed Park Mark Safer Parking scheme."
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Photo from police showing keys piled on the front seat
Credit: SWNS
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