Heathrow Airport is taking aim at rogue parking operators to help motorists avoid being scammed before heading on holiday.
The UK's busiest airport has become the first to sign up to the British Parking Association's new Approved Meet and Greet Parking Operator Scheme (AM-GO).
The scheme is backed by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI) and aims to crack down on scammers engaging in fraudulent activity at the expense of drivers.
There have been several cases of motorists returning to their vehicles after their holiday to see they have been used illegally and recklessly.
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Heathrow Airport is launching new parking rules to protect motorists
PAAs part of the new partnership between Heathrow and the British Parking Association, the airport will introduce quality meet and greet operators.
Holidaymakers rarely prioritise booking parking before flying leading to people choosing the cheapest option available to them, which can often be fraudulent.
The BPA said the AM-GO scheme will become the recognised standard for all airports and off-airport meet and greet services.
Drivers are encouraged to look for the official AM-GO logo when choosing a meet and greet parking operator to ensure they meet industry standards.
The AM-Go scheme is designed to give drivers peace of mind when they travel that their car is safe and won't be tampered with when they are away.
Meet and Greet staff, including drivers, will all be qualified and fully insured. They will carry ID cards and wear uniforms at all times.
Vehicles will be stored in a Park Mark accredited facility, with the BPA pledging that the cars won't be driven any further than stated on the booking confirmation.
Sara Fisher, head of operations and business development at the BPA, said: "We are delighted that Heathrow has become the first UK airport to sign up to AM-GO.
"We have been working with the police for over 20 years raising safety and standards in parking, this scheme will enable passengers to book their parking with confidence."
A full list of approved AM-GO meet and greet parking operators is available on the BPA website and will all have the accredited logo.
Heathrow's head of surface access commercial said the airport was committed to improving journeys for people from the moment they arrive.
Tom Prowse said drivers should always choose official on-airport parking, but noted that it wanted to help motorists make "informed decisions" about the services around the airport.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Heathrow Airport is now accredited by the BPA as an approved meet and great parking operator
BPA
He added: "As the first signatory of the British Parking Association's Approved Meet and Greet Parking Operator Scheme (AM-GO), we're helping raise industry standards.
"AM-GO ensures clear, professional, and reliable meet-and-greet services, with accredited operators, qualified staff, and secure parking, giving travellers confidence in their choices around the airport."
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