Gatwick Parking First closure: comment from IAPA

It has been reported that police were called in to help trace around 120 vehicles at sites across Sussex and Surrey following the closure of valet parking firm Gatwick First Parking.

Mark Hinge, Chairman of the Independent Airport Parking Association says, “This is a nightmare scenario for travellers and we sympathise with all those people who were left in limbo.

“As well as the pain of returning from holiday to find that there was no one to meet them at the airport and no information about where their car was parked, this story also highlights how some unscrupulous companies will simply leave cars on streets, industrial estates and in other unsecured locations.

“This leaves cars open to the risk of damage, theft and even fines if they are parked in unsuitable locations.

“For airport parking peace of mind it is essential that travellers look for the IAPA logo.

“Our members include the UK’s leading meet-and-greet operators and they park more than one million cars every year.

“IAPA members only ever park cars in secure locations that have been approved for airport parking, and they carry full insurance cover for both you and your car.

“If you’ve already booked your parking with a company that isn’t an IAPA member, then ask for details of where they’ll leave your car during you break away. Ask if they have a Park Mark Safer Parking award – this stamp of approval if given by police assessors for car parks that are secure and well managed.”