Airport’s list of approved meet and greet firms
MANCHESTER Airport has published a list of meet and greet firms which meet trading standards, in a bid to crack down on rogue firms.
Six parking firms have signed up to the Buy with Confidence scheme, which ensures companies undergo detailed checks being approved.
It comes after a number of holidaymakers were duped by cowboy firms who had promised ‘secure’ and ‘safe’ parking for their vehicles.
In reality, many of those cars were dumped on nearby streets in Woodhouse Park, or on empty fields in Cheshire.
There have also been numerous reports of vehicles being lost or badly damaged.
Manchester Airport have confirmed the firms on the Buy with Confidence list so far are; Ringway Ride, Day by Day, M90, Care Park and Vacation Care.
The airport’s official meet and greet firm has also received the standard.
Manchester council say they hope the scheme will put an end to ‘scammers’ and win the fight against rogue meet and greet firms.
In October, a couple’s Mercedes disappeared after being left with an airport meet and greet firm while on a two-week holiday to Turkey.
They had paid £77 to leave their car but when they returned from holiday, the firm Meet and Greet Manchester Airport Services Ltd said they couldn’t find their car.
Another passenger said he spent a night sleeping on the floor at Manchester Airport because a firm lost his car keys.
Brad Miller, Chief Operating Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “For a number of years the issue of rogue meet and greet operators has been something that those living in surrounding communities have consistently raised with us.
“We have been working hard with neighbouring councils and Greater Manchester Police to tackle this and the launch of this new ‘buy with confidence’ scheme is the next milestone in assisting customers.”
Coun Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods for Manchester council, said: “By giving holidaymakers a clear choice of reputable firms we will drive business away from companies who engage in shady practices, and who have turned parts of Manchester into nothing more than an overflow car park.”
Rick Hughes, Cheshire East council’s trading standards and community protection manager, said: “This scheme is good news for our residents as it will help protect customers from unscrupulous operators and provide people with greater reassurance and consumer protection.”