A new plan has been unveiled by Bristol Airport to tackle rogue parking firms and nuisance street parking near the airport. The West of England has been grappling with the impact of unofficial parking companies operating near the airport, with concerns over vehicle security and customer complaints. Last year, a police crackdown found three car parks run by unofficial companies near Bristol, with vehicles left insecure and a caravan used as an office with customers' car keys inside. In response, a comprehensive plan has been agreed, including new and improved signs, parking restrictions for the Bridle Cottage layby, and additional police operations. North Somerset Council, Avon and Somerset Police, and Bristol Airport have been working together to address these issues. Some customers have reported being abandoned at the airport by rogue parking firms, while others have complained of car damage and unexplained mileage. To combat this, the council is urging people to check parking companies' credibility before using them. They recommend looking for parking accreditation, checking terms and conditions and reviews, and avoiding companies with mobile-only numbers. The plan also includes doubling the funding provided by the airport to support the council's planning enforcement team, joint days of action with police and the council to tackle rogue operators, new signs enforcing no stopping or waiting in the lane directly off the airport roundabout, and parking restrictions for the Bridle Cottage layby on the A38 near the Fox and Goose, limiting waiting to a maximum of two hours. Expanding the capacity of the airport's one-hour free waiting zone and improving signs are also part of the plan. Insp. Christian Gresswell from Avon and Somerset Police assured residents that they are aware of the issues and concerns surrounding unaccredited parking operators and will continue to work with partners to address them. Transport planning manager Rob Henley encouraged customers to use public transport if possible and asked motorists and taxi drivers to be more considerate to the local community and not park outside homes. This initiative comes on the heels of the West of England Combined Authority's announcement of plans for new public transport links between Bristol city center and the airport, which could include bendy buses, light rail, or a tram. The public is invited to share their thoughts and suggestions on which stories they would like to see covered in Bristol.
