Police operation to target rogue airport parking companies

POLICE have carried out an operation on rogue parking companies near Bristol Airport following complaints of cars suffering damage and having unexplained additional mileage.

- CLAIRE HAYHURST

Vehicles parked at an unofficial parking site near Bristol Airport Avon and Somerset Police

The action, led by the airport's police team, targeted parking firms which operate away from the site.

Officers attended three sites and found no staff, with offices consisting of insecure vehicles and a caravan containing what appeared to be car keys.

One driver working on behalf of the unaccredited parking operators was stopped in a customer's car and has since been reported for driving a motor vehicle without insurance.

Some customers told how they had been abandoned at the airport, having been given excuses by operators.

Sergeant Danielle Hardaway, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "People would be horrified if they understood how their vehicles are used and stored, and some have complained about unexplained additional mileage.

"The last thing anyone wants is the worry over whether their car will be returned.