Travellers face fines after Heathrow ‘parking scam’

Heathrow travellers were today warned to be vigilant after almost 300 fines were issued on cars stored without permission by a private parking firm.

The penalties were given out over four days at two car parks run by Hillingdon council.

The town hall’s trading standards team is now investigating whether one firm is using the car parks to store vehicles while the owners are away.

It is alleged that the owners did not park them and cars were not authorised to be left at the two sites, resulting in parking fines. Scores of parking companies near the airport offer “meet and greet” services, where cars are picked up and stored in a secure compound while the owners are away, for as much as £150 a week.

In photographs of the Yiewsley car park posted online by resident Sarah Harvey vehicles including BMWs, Mercedes and 4x4s have as many as five £60 fixed penalty notices attached to windscreens. Ms Harvey said: “I looked inside a few cars and saw some tickets on the seat that clearly say Terminal 2. It looks like people are being ripped off by the airport parking.”

The 275 tickets were handed out in Fairfield Road car park, Yiewsley and Brandville Road car park, West Drayton. The total value of the fines is estimated to be £16,500.

A council spokesman said: “We urge members of the public to make adequate checks with any companies they are considering leaving their cars with, and wherever possible ensure that the facilities and services companies offer meet expectations, particularly with regards to the security of vehicles. We are aware of reports that some vehicles were parked in the car parks by a Heathrow parking company and not the vehicle owners.

“This is a matter we’re taking very seriously. Our trading standards team has launched an investigation and will be contacting the people who have received the parking tickets.

“Everyone who receives a parking ticket has the right to appeal and we will be dealing with each ticket on a case-by-case basis.”

Anyone with information should contact trading standards via the Citizens Advice helpline on 0345 4 040506.