Meet-and-greet crackdown
COUNCIL TEAM TO STOP ROGUES FROM ‘CAR DUMPING’ NEAR AIRPORT
A MAJOR crackdown on ‘rogue meet-and-greet’ airport parking firms and so-called ‘car dumping’ in Wythenshawe has been announced.
Manchester council has launched a new enforcement team and letters have been sent to around 6,500 homes and schools in the Woodhouse Park area.
Patrols will scour streets and a hotline has been set up. The council said it has powers to take action against offending vehicles, which include towing them away.
It’s a long-standing and hugely frustrating problem – the M.E.N. has reported on waves of complaints over vehicles blocking roads and residents’ driveways.
Cowboy firms advertise online, with the promise of ‘secure’ parking for holidaymakers, but the council said in reality vehicles are ‘dumped’ on streets in Woodhouse Park, blocking junctions, driveways, paths and bus stops. The letters reveal the team comprises of a pick-up truck and a traffic warden, operating from 7am to 7pm seven days a week over the summer holidays.
The council said: “We know that from talking to residents many of you experience issues with vehicles belonging to holidaymakers, meet and greet companies and airport staff, being parked up inconsiderately.”
Where inconsiderate parking has proved a problem elsewhere, including on nearby Moss Nook and Shadowmoss, the council has introduced permit parking, a move which could be extended to other areas.
But the council has also revealed talks with airport bosses and local authorities are ongoing to launch a ‘buy with confidence’ scheme – an accredited scheme to encourage legitimate meet-and-greet operators to sign up to meeting specified customer service standards, helping holidaymakers root out rogue firms from genuine companies.
Residents are being asked to call the council on 0161 234 4199 if a vehicle is parked on double yellow lines; if a road crossing is blocked where there is a dropped kerb; if their driveway is completely blocked, or if a bus stop is blocked.
A spokesman said: “Where there is a confirmed case, the council has powers to take enforcement action, which could include towing the vehicle away. If a parked vehicle blocks a path or grass verge, making it hard for pedestrians to pass, residents should contact Manchester Police on 101.”
Rogue companies have claimed to be officially linked to Manchester Airport – sometimes even illegally using the airport’s logos, the council said. As a result, all customers are being urged to conduct thorough research before booking.
Coun Rabnawaz Akbar said: “The cowboys are deceiving their customers and endangering our residents by parking vehicles hazardously. We will be gathering intelligence to inform our next steps against the rogue firms.” Greater