Multi-Agency Operation Tackles Rogue Parking Firms Near Gatwick Airport

A multi-agency operation has been working to crack down on fraudulent parking operators around Gatwick Airport, the BBC reported.

The operation brought together teams from the airport, West Sussex Trading Standards and police to search for rogue parking services operating four miles from the airport. About 150 vehicles were discovered parked next to a scrapyard, with cars packed bumper to bumper—despite their owners having paid for what they believed was premium parking.

One holidaymaker, Dani, told the BBC she needed police assistance to locate her car after her parking operator failed to return it following a trip to Italy. "When we found our car, it was filthy and things have been emptied from our glove box," she said. Other customers have returned from trips to find their vehicles left at the airport short stay, where they received fines.

Oliver Bedford, director of airport access, marketing and commercial products at Gatwick Airport, said: "It's shocking to see the state of the cars and placement of them and therefore the impact it has had on our passengers."

According to Trading Standards statistics reported by the BBC, 130 customers raised issues with car parking companies at the West Sussex airport in 2024, up from 73 in 2022. In some cases, vehicles have been left in fields and local highways.

Bedford advised passengers to check for ParkMark accreditation from the British Parking Association and Trading Standards information to ensure parking businesses are legitimate.