Travellers planning to use “meet and greet” parking services at London Gatwick Airport are being advised to conduct thorough research before entrusting their vehicles to such companies. Sussex Police and West Sussex Trading Standards have reported ongoing issues with some of these services, including vehicle damage, unauthorized mileage, and improper parking leading to unexpected fees.
Inspector James Biggs of the Gatwick Police Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasized the importance of diligence: “Travellers seeking to use ‘meet and greet’ parking services should do their homework before deciding which company to use. Online tools are available to help travellers with their research.”
Despite their convenient appearance, not all companies offering parking services near Gatwick are officially affiliated with the airport. Gary Wallace, Head of Parking at London Gatwick, warned, “Gatwick Airport has no relationship with these rogue ‘meet and greet’ parking companies, even though many of them include ‘Gatwick’ in their company name.”
Wallace added that while rogue firms are legally permitted to operate at the airport as long as they do not violate airport by-laws, passengers should verify the reputation of these services through reliable sources like Trustpilot or Trip Advisor. He strongly recommended using official on-airport parking for peace of mind.
Richard Sargeant, West Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager, also highlighted the difficulties in navigating the myriad of options available: “In recent years, we have had to deal with a number of rogue ‘meet and greet’ companies at Gatwick Airport. It can be very difficult for travellers to decide which parking operator is best to use when you go on holiday or business.”
Sargeant advised travellers to either park directly with Gatwick Airport or use a Trading Standards Approved business. For those looking for reputable services, he suggested visiting www.buywithconfidence.co.uk to find approved operators.
For travellers who suspect they have been victims of unfair trading practices, West Sussex Trading Standards and Citizens Advice are available for assistance and can be reached via www.westsussex.gov.uk/TSreport or by calling 0808 223 1133.
