AIRPORT bosses are hoping a new scheme will help passengers avoid rogue meet and greet firms – and give peace of mind for nearby Cheshire residents.

Manchester Airport has signed up to the national ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme to promote car parking operators who are committed to trading fairly.

It follows a raft of complaints from both passengers and residents close to the airport about rogue meet-and-greet firms who claim to be associated with the airport.

Such companies say they will park passengers’ cars securely – but instead their vehicles are dumped on residential streets, muddy fields or low-security car parks.

And in many cases, the airport has received reports of vehicles being lost or damaged, or customers’ keys going missing.

Brad Miller, chief operating officer at Manchester Airport, said: “For a number of years the issue of rogue meet and greet operators has been something that those living in surrounding communities have consistently raised with us.

“We have been working hard with neighbouring councils and Greater Manchester Police to tackle this and the launch of this new ‘buy with confidence’ scheme is the next milestone in assisting customers.

“We’d always recommend customers do their research into a company before handing their keys over.

“This new scheme should give customers that peace of mind when they go off on their holidays that their car will be safe.”

Trading Standards officers advise those looking to book parking ahead of a trip to do their homework and use the Buy with Confidence list to help them make an informed decision.

Manchester Airport has confirmed only those to have achieved the accreditation will be eligible for discount permits for dropping-off and picking-up on its forecourts.

Five external operators have achieved the standard – Ringway Ride, Day By Day, M90, Care Park and Vacation Care – while Manchester Airport’s own meet and greet service also meets the standard.

Businesses that have achieved the standard have undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.

Rick Hughes, Cheshire East Council’s trading standards and community protection manager, said: “This scheme is good news for our residents as it will help protect customers from unscrupulous operators and provide people with greater reassurance and consumer protection.

“CEC has supported the Buy With Confidence scheme for a number of years and all businesses who participate in it have been stringently vetted and approved by trading standards officers to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.”

Buy with Confidence is a national initiative that provides consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trading fairly.

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Every business listed has undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.

For more information visit buywithconfidence.gov.uk