Airport Parking Safety: How to Avoid Rogue Operators

UK Drivers Warned About Risks of Airport Parking

Airport Parking Safety: How UK Drivers Can Avoid Rogue Operators Airport parking can be a convenient way to leave your car while travelling, but recent incidents have raised questions about how safe some parking services really are. Drivers using airport car parks, valet services and meet-and-greet operators can face risks ranging from vehicle damage to theft and poor service. One recent fire at a third-party car park near Gatwick Airport, in which vehicles were destroyed in suspected arson, has renewed concerns about airport parking safety. It has also highlighted the differences between airport-approved operators, reputable independent businesses and potentially rogue providers. Why airport parking can be difficult to navigate Private parking is largely unregulated, meaning there can be many different operators serving a single airport. While some belong to industry organisations such as the British Parking Association or International Parking Community, there are also businesses that advertise parking and valet services without the same level of oversight. Meet-and-greet and valet services can present additional risks because drivers hand over their vehicles and keys to someone else. One motorist described returning from a five-day holiday to find mud inside and across her car after using a third-party valet service at Heathrow. There have also been complaints involving rogue operators at Gatwick. One traveller was reportedly left waiting for three hours before being directed to collect her vehicle from a hotel car park, while other travellers were also left stranded. Airport-approved parking is generally the safest choice The safest starting point for drivers is the list of parking providers officially approved by the airport. These can include on-site facilities close to the terminals as well as authorised off-site car parks located a short distance away. However, airport-approved parking can be more expensive than some independent alternatives. Drivers therefore need to balance the cost of parking against the reputation, security arrangements and protections offered by the operator they choose. There are reputable independent businesses as well, including operators that belong to recognised industry organisations. The Independent Airport Parking Association says its members handle more than one million cars each year, with complaints accounting for less than 1% of that total. What can go wrong? Vehicle theft and damage remain potential concerns even when drivers use established airport parking facilities. More than 1,400 vehicles were destroyed by a fire at Luton Airport's on-site car park in October 2023 after an electrical fault sparked an inferno. At Gatwick, drivers have also reported thefts from vehicles parked at off-site facilities. The Times reported that spare tyres had been targeted on some Range Rovers and other four-wheel-drive vehicles because the tyres were mounted externally. Drivers should also check exactly what protection their chosen parking service provides. With self-parking facilities where motorists keep their keys, vehicles may be left at the driver's own risk, meaning their own insurance could become important if something goes wrong. How drivers can protect their cars Before handing over a vehicle, drivers should photograph and video the car, including its condition, mileage and fuel level. Booking confirmations, correspondence and other documents should also be kept in case a problem develops during or after the trip. For meet-and-greet or valet services, checking the operator's insurance and terms and conditions can help drivers understand what is covered. Insurance provided by the operator may not cover every situation, particularly incidents caused by circumstances outside its control. Drivers should also research reviews before booking, although online reviews should not automatically be treated as proof that an operator is trustworthy. Checking whether the business appears on the airport's authorised list, belongs to the IAPA or has Park Mark accreditation can provide additional reassurance. With airport parking prices increasing, cheaper operators can be tempting, but the lowest price may not always provide the best protection. Taking a little extra time to check who will actually look after the vehicle can help drivers avoid an expensive problem while they are away. For motorists looking for the safest option, airport-approved parking remains the most straightforward place to start. Independent operators can also be reputable, but drivers should check their credentials, security arrangements, insurance and customer feedback before handing over their keys.