Some cars were damaged while others were left illegally parked
17:54, 10 Jun 2025Updated 18:04, 10 Jun 2025
Car keys were left on seats and in the footwells, leaving them at risk of being stolen(Image: Avon and Somerset Police)
Some holidaymakers were left abandoned at Bristol Airport when rogue parking companies failed to return their vehicles back to them.
Police officers are cracking down on these unofficial companies after customers complained their cars were damaged and left with unexplained extra miles on the clock.
The firms operate away from the airport in North Somerset.
During a day of action targeting the firms, held on June 3, the airport police team, the Immigration Enforcement Team, North Somerset Council and the Motor Insurance Bureau found 20 vehicles which had not been returned to their owners.
This left some families with young children stranded and waiting several hours to collect their vehicles before they could return home.
Sgt Danielle Hardaway, officer in the case who supported the operation, 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.
“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.”
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.”
The vehicles were returned to their owners by police, but some had been involved in parking and driving offences, while others were returned in undrivable or unroadworthy conditions.
In some cases, vehicles left in dangerous or obstructive positions in local villages had to be towed away, Avon and Somerset Police said.
One of the images taken during the operation and released by the police force shows a customer’s vehicle was being used to drive around the area returning keys which were piled up on the front seat and in the footwell, leaving them at risk of being stolen.
As a result of the op, an investigation is ongoing into three unlicensed ‘taxis’, as well as into other suspected offences relating to no insurance, immigration and licensing.
Sgt Hardaway continued: “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.”
Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Safety in the Community, said: “We are seeing an increasing number of holidaymakers who use Bristol Airport being misled by rogue parking companies. These operators not only compromise the safety of your vehicle but also exploit your trust with deceptive practices.
“It is crucial for travellers to be diligent and choose parking services wisely. Our priority is to ensure consumers are informed and protected. We urge anyone who experiences a problem with a parking operator to report them in the first instance to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or visit the Citizens Advice website www.citizensadvice.org.uk.”