Overview
- On December 5, Bristol Airport’s police team led a multi-agency operation with Avon and Somerset Police, Immigration Enforcement, North Somerset Council and the British Parking Association against unaccredited off-site operators.
- Officers found three sites unattended, with makeshift offices consisting of vehicles and a caravan that held what appeared to be customers’ car keys.
- One driver working for an operator was stopped in a customer’s car and reported for driving without insurance.
- Complaints include vehicles returned damaged or with unexplained mileage and families left stranded, with officers assisting travellers to reach storage sites.
- Authorities urge travellers to use accredited parking, check Park Mark accreditation and terms and reviews, and report suspected illegal operators, while North Somerset Council says none of the off-site firms has planning permission.