The Mail Online recently reported on the growing use of pub car parks by some more unscrupulous Manchester Airport parking providers and with this problem becoming more and more pertinent, Manchester Council are looking at ways to crack down on these rogue firms. But how can passengers avoid using cowboy airport parking firms and does this increasing demand for parking near Manchester Airport mean that more official spaces will be made available in the future?
Security Risk with Rogue Manchester Airport Parking Firms
Despite offering customers ’24-hour on-site security and 24-hour monitored CCTV’ many cowboy firms that are charging for secure Manchester Airport parking have been leaving vehicles in pub car parks and on country lanes, most of the time unmanned and without any fencing to protect the cars. An investigation by Manchester Evening News uncovered the frequent use of pub car parks in the Woodhouse Park area of the city. Firms insist that these car parks are used for ‘holding areas only’ for a ‘matter of hours’ but the investigation discovered that some cars were staying there for as long as 2 nights in a row.
But the rogue firms have defended their actions, saying that they have been pushed out by the airport and have left been left with no choice but to find other options. However, Wythenshawe MP Mike Kane has responded by saying, “I have had meetings with the airport and city council to try and resolve this situation. It’s outrageous that some firms are pretending to offer secure parking.”
Council Action on Rogue Manchester Airport Parking
The council has stated that it is working with Greater Manchester Police and the British Parking Association to resolve the issue and ‘ensure no stone is left unturned’. As well as a security issue for passengers and car owners, many local residents have complained that they have been unable to park near their homes and have been disturbed by cars being driven around the area late at night and at high speeds. Manchester Council have said they have now taken enforcement action against the cowboy Manchester Airport parking firms that have been using pub car parks and have threatened to tow the vehicles from the land.
Manchester Airport Parking Solutions
Even if these problems are resolved by the council, there still remains the issue that passengers will always need parking near Manchester Airport, and with the passenger numbers increasing year-on-year, this demand for cheap Manchester Airport parking will only increase. One of the solutions would be for the airport authorities to look into creating more official Manchester Airport parking spaces on or near airport land, but if this is not possible, what other options do current travellers have?
Booking Manchester Airport parking well in advance offers the best solution both in terms of service and prices, and it goes without saying that passengers should always look to book with reputable parking firms. Using the Parking at Airports booking widget ensures customers always book with a quality parking provider as well as securing a saving to get them cheap Manchester Airport parking without leaving them vulnerable to rogue firms. With up to 60% off standard prices as well as an additional 12% discount available, users can still secure parking near Manchester Airport as well as being safe in the knowledge that their car will be looked after until they return.
Whether Manchester Council and the other authorities manage to resolve the current array of issues affecting Manchester Airport parking or not, regular passengers who fly out of the transport hub can only hope that parking doesn’t become a long term problem.