Gatwick Airport has sounded a strong warning to travelers regarding a growing problem with rogue car parking firms that continue to operate around the airport premises, despite a rise in complaints and recent enforcement efforts. The caution comes in light of new figures which show that the number of consumer complaints about these third-party operators has nearly doubled over the past two years. In 2024 alone, 130 complaints were filed with Trading Standards by customers who encountered problems with car parking services at the West Sussex airport—an increase from the 73 reported incidents in 2022.
A recent BBC investigation shed light on the scope of the issue, revealing disturbing cases where holidaymakers experienced long delays in retrieving their vehicles, often receiving their cars back with visible damage. Some customers even found their cars had been stored in unsecured areas, raising serious concerns about vehicle safety and accountability. In response, Oliver Bedford, Gatwick Airport’s director of car parking, urged travelers to be cautious when booking parking services during peak travel seasons such as Easter and summer holidays. He emphasized that while these rogue operators may use “Gatwick” in their business names, there is no official link between the airport and these firms.
Bedford noted the legal difficulty in stopping these businesses outright, as long as they do not violate specific airport bylaws. He also highlighted a pattern where some of these companies pop up during the busiest holiday seasons to capitalize on high demand, only to shut down shortly after. This lack of continuity often leaves dissatisfied customers with no recourse for complaints or compensation.
To address the situation, Gatwick Airport has collaborated with Sussex Police in enforcement actions aimed at tackling the issue directly. According to Bedford, a recent crackdown led to two arrests related to illegal car parking operations. These developments underscore the serious nature of the problem and the airport’s commitment to protecting its passengers from fraudulent or substandard services.
Further insights from West Sussex Trading Standards revealed even more alarming practices by some rogue operators. In the most extreme cases, vehicles were reportedly left in open fields or along public highways, exposing them to theft, damage, and weather-related wear. Such scenarios highlight the risks posed to travelers who unknowingly entrust their vehicles to unaccredited and potentially fraudulent firms.
Bedford advised passengers to look for reputable parking providers, starting with those who have the ParkMark—a certification granted by the British Parking Association that signifies safe and well-managed parking facilities. He also encouraged customers to consult Trading Standards for a list of legitimate businesses and to seek out independent reviews before making a booking. Importantly, he warned that if a deal seems “too good to be true,” it likely is, and travelers should avoid being swayed by unusually low prices that may come at a significant cost.
Gatwick Airport continues to urge all travelers to remain vigilant and informed when selecting parking services to ensure both peace of mind and the security of their vehicles during their travels.
