Navigating Airport Parking: The Need for Stronger Regulation and Reassurance

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, airport parking remains a critical component of the travel experience. However, with the proliferation of meet-and-greet parking services, concerns about safety, security, and customer satisfaction have led to calls for tighter regulation. Two key accreditation schemes have emerged to address these concerns: the British Parking Association's (BPA) Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) and the Airport Approved Parking Scheme (AAPP). This blog explores the current regulatory landscape, how these schemes function, and why the industry is advocating for robust standards to reassure customers.

The State of Airport Parking Regulation

Airport parking in the UK has long been plagued by inconsistent standards and customer complaints. Issues such as damage to vehicles, fraudulent operators, and poor customer service have highlighted the need for a regulated framework. In response, industry bodies and consumer advocates have pushed for accreditation schemes that set clear standards for safety, security, and professionalism.

The BPA Approved Operator Scheme (AOS)

The BPA's Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) is designed to enforce high standards in airport meet-and-greet parking services. Members of the scheme must adhere to a strict code of practice that prioritizes customer service, safety, and transparency. This includes mandatory criminal background checks for staff, secure vehicle storage, and clear pricing policies. Operators who achieve this accreditation can display the Park Mark, a police-backed award signifying a safer parking environment.

Park Mark is a hallmark of security and professionalism in the parking industry. It assures customers that the facility has undergone rigorous inspections to minimize crime and improve safety.

The Airport Approved Parking Scheme (AAPP)

The AAPP offers another layer of security and professionalism within the airport parking sector. Unlike the BPA's broader approach, the AAPP focuses exclusively on airport parking services, setting high standards for vehicle security, staff training, and customer communication. Members of the scheme undergo regular audits to ensure compliance, with non-compliant operators facing suspension or removal.

This targeted approach ensures that the specific challenges of airport parking—such as short-term vehicle storage and the high volume of daily users—are adequately addressed. By offering accreditation tailored to airport parking, the AAPP aims to bridge the gap between operator performance and customer expectations.

The Role of Airports

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has partnerships with trusted operators who are members of the British Parking Association's Approved Operator Scheme (BPA AOS) and the Association of Airport Parking Providers (AAPP).

Other major UK airports have also intensified efforts to regulate parking services and impose licensing standards. Manchester Airport, for example, has introduced rigorous licensing requirements for meet-and-greet operators, aiming to eliminate rogue traders and ensure vehicles are handled responsibly. Similarly, Gatwick and Heathrow airports have implemented mandatory accreditation schemes for on-site parking services, prioritising vehicle security and customer peace of mind.

Across the country however, this is a disjointed effort and does nothing to help a customer who uses different airports with different schemes.

Collaboration and Industry Advocacy

In recent developments, the Independent Airport Parking Association (IAPA) has been actively engaging with both the BPA and AAPP to advocate for consistent and stringent standards across the industry. IAPA's efforts aim to harmonize accreditation requirements, ensuring that customers receive the same level of assurance regardless of the scheme under which a parking service operates.

Sarah Anglim, a veteran with over 40 years in the airport parking industry and the Founder and MD of I Love Meet and Greet, emphasised the importance of accreditation in building consumer confidence. She stated, "Customers need to know that their vehicles are in safe hands. Accreditation schemes like the BPA AOS and AAPP are vital because they set the standards that separate reputable operators from the rest. It’s not just about meeting a checklist; it’s about providing peace of mind."

The Future of Airport Parking Regulation

As airport parking continues to expand, the importance of robust regulatory frameworks cannot be overstated. Accreditation schemes like BPA AOS and AAPP provide a roadmap for operators to improve safety and service quality, while Park Mark offers a visible assurance of security. However, ongoing collaboration between industry bodies, airports, and consumer advocacy groups will be crucial to maintaining and enhancing these standards.

The dialogue facilitated by IAPA underscores the industry's commitment to addressing customer concerns. However, while the two schemes are still being considered by operators and airports, there remains no single, clear way for customers to verify the legitimacy and standards of their chosen parking company. As Sarah Anglim adds, "Accreditation should not be just a badge companies can buy; it is a promise we make to our clients. It must reflect our commitment to excellence and our dedication to ensuring every customer's journey starts and ends with confidence."