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Airport parking warning amid multiple complaints

Getty Aerial view of vehicles parked in a green field. The cars are red, blue, black and white.Getty
One holidaymaker returned to find £600 worth of damage to their car

Holidaymakers are being urged to be vigilant after multiple complaints from people using parking near Bristol Airport.

Jill Gale, from Uplyme on the Devon/Dorset border, returned from holiday to find "£600 worth of damage to her car".

She booked with a site called Meet & Greet Bristol Airport Parking Services and claimed her car's bumper and paintwork were damaged while she was away.

North Somerset Council's leaders are urging people to be careful following a spat of complaints about different companies leaving travellers stranded and vehicles damaged.

Ms Gale booked last-minute flights from Bristol Airport to Montenegro for her husband's birthday in July 2024.

When she returned from her holiday, she discovered damage to the rear bumper of her car and scratches on the paintwork, with mechanics quoting £600 for repairs.

Jill Gale The dented and scratched rear bumper of a Mini. The paintwork has been scratched away above the dented plastic.Jill Gale
Ms Gale came back from her holiday to find dents and scratches on her car

She tried to contact the company to discuss it, but said they have not offered any compensation or investigated the issue.

"My pride is very hurt, and I'm just so angry," she said.

The BBC has approached Meet & Greet Bristol Airport Parking Services for a comment.

Jill Gale Jill and husband at a table in front of a wide blue lake, with villas on the distant shore and mountains behind the water. There are boats and dinghies dotted across the water.Jill Gale
Jill and her husband booked a last minute holiday and needed to find parking

The council said travellers have complained after incidents with their cars while they are away, involving a number of different car parking companies.

A spokesperson said holidaymakers have said their vehicle have been damaged and there has been unexplained mileage on the vehicle's clock.

Matt Lenny, the council's director of health and sustainable communities said some operators were reputable parking companies providing good service, but caution is key.

"It's all about making sure you're confident that provider is good before you start and it's all about what you do before you book," he said.

"Read the terms and conditions, make sure you've looked at some of the reviews.

"We would ask people to look for the Park Mark, the symbol of the British Parking Association."

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