Gatwick airport parking charges have soared by a massive 70% according to Essential Travel, the Guardian reports.
Research by the Holiday add-on company reveals that, since BAA sold the airport to GIP last year, the cost of a week’s Gatwick parking has risen from £44.80 (Pre-booked parking in long-stay car park, starting at 9am on 10 December to 5pm on 17 December 2009) to £75.20 – a whopping 67% price increase!
For the full Guardian article click here
30 November 2010
17 November 2010
Airparks airport parking transfer details
When you book off-site airport parking it’s often a concern as to how far the airport car park is away from the airport terminal, how often the shuttle buses run, and how long the transfer times will be.
Detailed below are the approximate transfer times for all Airparks locations:
Birmingham
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 25 minutes and taking only 13 minutes.
Cardiff
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 30 minutes and taking only 3 minutes.
East Midlands
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 25 minutes and taking only 8 minutes.
Gatwick
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 20 minutes and taking only 10 minutes.
Glasgow
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 20 minutes and taking only 10 minutes.
Luton
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 20 minutes and taking only 9 minutes.
Newcastle
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating on demand and taking only 4 minutes.
Detailed below are the approximate transfer times for all Airparks locations:
Birmingham
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 25 minutes and taking only 13 minutes.
Cardiff
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 30 minutes and taking only 3 minutes.
East Midlands
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 25 minutes and taking only 8 minutes.
Gatwick
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 20 minutes and taking only 10 minutes.
Glasgow
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 20 minutes and taking only 10 minutes.
Luton
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating every 20 minutes and taking only 9 minutes.
Newcastle
Transfers are available twenty-four hours a day, operating on demand and taking only 4 minutes.
03 September 2010
Stansted Airport car park fire not thought to be suspicious
A blaze that resulted in 24 vehicles being destroyed in the long-stay car park at Stansted Airport was ‘not suspicious’ the BBC has reported.
The fire, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, is thought to have been sparked by an electrical fault in one of the cars.
The cars affected all belonged to holidaymakers using Stansted Airport parking services.
The fire, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, is thought to have been sparked by an electrical fault in one of the cars.
The cars affected all belonged to holidaymakers using Stansted Airport parking services.
02 September 2010
Arrival and return procedures for East Midlands Airport on-airport car parks
If you have booked East Midlands Airport parking at any of the on-airport car parks, details of the arrival and return procedures are listed below:
Arrival Procedure:
An Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system is in place, so it is essential to ensure you enter the correct vehicle registration when making a booking.
It is advisable to bring a copy of your booking confirmation with you.
On arrival, drive up to the entry barrier and your car registration will be read. A ticket will be automatically issued to you. Make your way to any available space and park your car. Keep this ticket safe, as it will be needed on your return.
If a ticket is not automatically dispensed, press the “Assistance” button and explain to the operator that your vehicle has not been recognised. You will be required to confirm your booking details, including your car registration. A ticket will then be issued. Keep this ticket safe, as it will be needed on your return.
Return Procedure:
Upon return to the airport, proceed to your car and drive to the exit barrier. Insert your ticket to leave and the barrier should raise automatically.
If the barrier does not raise and/or asks for payment, do not insert your credit or debit card into the barrier, as a further payment will be taken. Press the intercom button for assistance and quote your pre-booking reference number.
Arrival Procedure:
An Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system is in place, so it is essential to ensure you enter the correct vehicle registration when making a booking.
It is advisable to bring a copy of your booking confirmation with you.
On arrival, drive up to the entry barrier and your car registration will be read. A ticket will be automatically issued to you. Make your way to any available space and park your car. Keep this ticket safe, as it will be needed on your return.
If a ticket is not automatically dispensed, press the “Assistance” button and explain to the operator that your vehicle has not been recognised. You will be required to confirm your booking details, including your car registration. A ticket will then be issued. Keep this ticket safe, as it will be needed on your return.
Return Procedure:
Upon return to the airport, proceed to your car and drive to the exit barrier. Insert your ticket to leave and the barrier should raise automatically.
If the barrier does not raise and/or asks for payment, do not insert your credit or debit card into the barrier, as a further payment will be taken. Press the intercom button for assistance and quote your pre-booking reference number.
05 August 2010
Gatwick meet and greet parking company retains ParkMark safer parking award
Gatwick meet and greet parking company Help-Me-Park has successfully retained the Safer Parking Scheme award Parkmark®.
The retention of the award demonstrates that Help-me-park has continued to meet the high standards of the Safer Parking Scheme.
An initiative of the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Parkmark® award is added reassurance to the travelling customer that their car will be parked in a fully secure car park whilst they are on holiday.
Mike Bibby (Development Manager – S. East) said “I am very pleased to have been part of working with Mr. McCarthy and the police accredited assessors John Lee and Mike Bessent from Surrey Police resulting in this operation meeting the high standards required to meet Safer Parking accreditation. With no crime recorded over the past twelve months, this creates a safe and non-threatening environment and customers can feel confident in the knowledge their vehicles will be well cared for”.
Many improvements to the CCTV, access control, security lighting and boundary security have been made over the past year as well as to the management practices, staff training and security procedures involved in operating a secure meet and greet parking service and facility.
Sean McCarthy (Operations Director) said “As a premium provider of meet and greet parking services at London Gatwick Airport it is paramount that we offer and are seen to offer a trusted and reliable service to our clients. Having worked closely with the Police and the Safer Parking Scheme to achieve the standards required I would recommend every customer looking for airport parking to check that the car park they use has the Parkmark® accreditation for their peace of mind. There have been too many recent incidences of rogue meet and greet companies parking in supermarket car parks, local roads and industrial estates.”
More information:
The Parkmark® Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative of the Associations of Chief Police Officers aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in parking facilities. Safer parking status, Park Mark®, is awarded to parking facilities that have met the requirements of a risk assessment conducted by the Police. These requirements mean the parking operator has put in place measures that help to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, thereby doing everything they can to prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime in their parking facility. For customers, using a Park Mark® Safer Parking facility means that the area has been vetted by the Police and has measures in place to create a safe environment.
Help Me Park's Gatwick meet and greet parking can be booked online at www.help-me-park.co.uk or by calling 0845 272 8790
The retention of the award demonstrates that Help-me-park has continued to meet the high standards of the Safer Parking Scheme.
An initiative of the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Parkmark® award is added reassurance to the travelling customer that their car will be parked in a fully secure car park whilst they are on holiday.
Mike Bibby (Development Manager – S. East) said “I am very pleased to have been part of working with Mr. McCarthy and the police accredited assessors John Lee and Mike Bessent from Surrey Police resulting in this operation meeting the high standards required to meet Safer Parking accreditation. With no crime recorded over the past twelve months, this creates a safe and non-threatening environment and customers can feel confident in the knowledge their vehicles will be well cared for”.
Many improvements to the CCTV, access control, security lighting and boundary security have been made over the past year as well as to the management practices, staff training and security procedures involved in operating a secure meet and greet parking service and facility.
Sean McCarthy (Operations Director) said “As a premium provider of meet and greet parking services at London Gatwick Airport it is paramount that we offer and are seen to offer a trusted and reliable service to our clients. Having worked closely with the Police and the Safer Parking Scheme to achieve the standards required I would recommend every customer looking for airport parking to check that the car park they use has the Parkmark® accreditation for their peace of mind. There have been too many recent incidences of rogue meet and greet companies parking in supermarket car parks, local roads and industrial estates.”
More information:
The Parkmark® Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative of the Associations of Chief Police Officers aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in parking facilities. Safer parking status, Park Mark®, is awarded to parking facilities that have met the requirements of a risk assessment conducted by the Police. These requirements mean the parking operator has put in place measures that help to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, thereby doing everything they can to prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime in their parking facility. For customers, using a Park Mark® Safer Parking facility means that the area has been vetted by the Police and has measures in place to create a safe environment.
Help Me Park's Gatwick meet and greet parking can be booked online at www.help-me-park.co.uk or by calling 0845 272 8790
26 July 2010
APCOA wins Gatwick Airport contract
APCOA has been awarded a new four and a half year parking management contract at Gatwick Airport, giving them responsibility for the entire public parking estate at Gatwick including all 32,000 airport parking spaces.
The new contract includes the management of an additional 12,000 parking spaces, bussing and forecourt management for both terminals.
APCOA’s Managing Director Chris Pullen comments: “We are delighted to have been appointed as Gatwick’s single provider of parking management for the public car parks. As the UK’s market leading airport parking operator, we will be bringing our considerable experience and expertise to this very important airport. We look forwards to working closely with Gatwick to further enhance customer service and satisfaction over the coming years. ”
The new contract includes the management of an additional 12,000 parking spaces, bussing and forecourt management for both terminals.
APCOA’s Managing Director Chris Pullen comments: “We are delighted to have been appointed as Gatwick’s single provider of parking management for the public car parks. As the UK’s market leading airport parking operator, we will be bringing our considerable experience and expertise to this very important airport. We look forwards to working closely with Gatwick to further enhance customer service and satisfaction over the coming years. ”
Changes introduced to drop off and pick up at Cardiff Airport
Construction work on a new layout outside Cardiff Airport's terminal building has been completed and new Priority drop & go and Priority pick up areas have come into operation with a charge of £1.
Drop Off Zone Access Plan for Cardiff Airport
Visitors to the Airport will have the option of using the new Priority drop & go and Priority pick up areas outside the terminal building, or a free drop off & pick up area in Long Stay 1 car park, a short distance from the terminal building.
New highway signs have been erected on all approach roads and within the airport site directing visitors to the new parking facilities and providing information regarding the new drop off and pick up options.
The Free drop off & pick up area will be available in the renamed Long Stay 1, formerly the Long Stay 2 car park, and a free special assistance vehicle for passengers with restricted mobility will also be available. The first 20 minutes will be free of charge with the usual parking rates applied thereafter.
Access to the Priority drop & go area in front of the terminal building will be available for up to 10 minutes, at a charge of £1 and 20 minutes for disabled blue badge holders. The Priority drop & go area will be barrier controlled where those wishing to use the facility will simply slot in a £1 coin into the barrier on exiting the area in front of the terminal building.
For the Priority pick up area paying the £1 fee will entitle those picking up passengers 20 minutes in the short stay car park, located close to the terminal building. After 20 minutes parking will be charged at the standard tariff.
As part of the redesign the existing Cardiff airport car parks have been renamed and colour coded.
Drop Off Zone Access Plan for Cardiff Airport
Visitors to the Airport will have the option of using the new Priority drop & go and Priority pick up areas outside the terminal building, or a free drop off & pick up area in Long Stay 1 car park, a short distance from the terminal building.
New highway signs have been erected on all approach roads and within the airport site directing visitors to the new parking facilities and providing information regarding the new drop off and pick up options.
The Free drop off & pick up area will be available in the renamed Long Stay 1, formerly the Long Stay 2 car park, and a free special assistance vehicle for passengers with restricted mobility will also be available. The first 20 minutes will be free of charge with the usual parking rates applied thereafter.
Access to the Priority drop & go area in front of the terminal building will be available for up to 10 minutes, at a charge of £1 and 20 minutes for disabled blue badge holders. The Priority drop & go area will be barrier controlled where those wishing to use the facility will simply slot in a £1 coin into the barrier on exiting the area in front of the terminal building.
For the Priority pick up area paying the £1 fee will entitle those picking up passengers 20 minutes in the short stay car park, located close to the terminal building. After 20 minutes parking will be charged at the standard tariff.
As part of the redesign the existing Cardiff airport car parks have been renamed and colour coded.
23 March 2010
Gatwick Hilton valet park and stay packages
If you are flying from Gatwick Airport this summer why not book yourself the ultra-convenient park and fly package: Gatwick Hilton Hotel’s valet park and stay package.
The Gatwick Hilton Valet Park and Stay Package offers the convenience of meet and greet parking with the luxury of staying at the Hilton Hotel at Gatwick’s south terminal.
Valet parking is the most convenient type of airport parking available and, coupled with a stay at the Hilton prior to departure, offers a totally stress-free start to your holiday.
With the Valet Park and Stay Package, an upgrade from the traditional park and stay, guests no longer have to park their cars at an offsite car park and catch the shuttle bus back to the terminal. Guests’ cars are collected from the main front entrance to the London Gatwick Hilton on arrival and returned personally to the Hilton’s entrance when guests return from their holiday.
The convenience of car collection on arrival at the hotel means that on the day of departure guests are able to access the airport terminal directly from the hotel, no hassle, no worries about bad weather, no heavy luggage to carry – porters are available at the Hilton and airport trolleys can be used from the airport terminal to the Hilton Hotel.
Valet Park and Stay Packages are available directly from the London Gatwick Hilton. Packages include one night’s stay at the London Gatwick Hilton and parking for either 15, 8 or 3 days with prices varying depending on the type of room booked.
Hilton Valet Park and Stay Packages are operated in conjunction with Help-Me-Park, the Hilton’s valet parking contractor. Help-Me-Park will contact the customer directly for all details regarding the vehicle to be parked and return travel details – extra days will be identified at this point and the customer will be billed directly for additional days.
Valet Park and Stay Packages can be booked online at www.hilton.co.uk/gatwick or by calling 01293 518080
The Gatwick Hilton Valet Park and Stay Package offers the convenience of meet and greet parking with the luxury of staying at the Hilton Hotel at Gatwick’s south terminal.
Valet parking is the most convenient type of airport parking available and, coupled with a stay at the Hilton prior to departure, offers a totally stress-free start to your holiday.
With the Valet Park and Stay Package, an upgrade from the traditional park and stay, guests no longer have to park their cars at an offsite car park and catch the shuttle bus back to the terminal. Guests’ cars are collected from the main front entrance to the London Gatwick Hilton on arrival and returned personally to the Hilton’s entrance when guests return from their holiday.
The convenience of car collection on arrival at the hotel means that on the day of departure guests are able to access the airport terminal directly from the hotel, no hassle, no worries about bad weather, no heavy luggage to carry – porters are available at the Hilton and airport trolleys can be used from the airport terminal to the Hilton Hotel.
Valet Park and Stay Packages are available directly from the London Gatwick Hilton. Packages include one night’s stay at the London Gatwick Hilton and parking for either 15, 8 or 3 days with prices varying depending on the type of room booked.
Hilton Valet Park and Stay Packages are operated in conjunction with Help-Me-Park, the Hilton’s valet parking contractor. Help-Me-Park will contact the customer directly for all details regarding the vehicle to be parked and return travel details – extra days will be identified at this point and the customer will be billed directly for additional days.
Valet Park and Stay Packages can be booked online at www.hilton.co.uk/gatwick or by calling 01293 518080
17 March 2010
9 questions to ask when you book meet and greet parking
Our homes probably represent our biggest capital investment and we are careful to protect them with insurance and security procedures, however, have you stopped to think about your car? Yes, you have insurance, maybe an alarm, possibly even a tracking device, but what about when you go on holiday? Do you stop to think who is looking after your car and where it will be parked?
If you are parking onsite at the airport, you know where your car is parked and you know where it will be when you come back. There are visible signs of security cameras and other procedures in place to prevent car theft. But…what about off-site parking facilities? Where is your car going to be parked, who will be driving it and what security measures are in place to protect it while you are away?
Your car is a valuable asset. You need to know that you are handing your car over to a reliable company, so don’t be afraid to ask the following questions when booking meet and greet parking:
Further information:
For further information on Park Mark® Safer Parking and to check for companies holding the award click here: www.parkmark.co.uk
Gatwick Airport meet and greet parking company, Help Me Park holds the Park Mark® Safer Parking award - for more information click the link.
If you are parking onsite at the airport, you know where your car is parked and you know where it will be when you come back. There are visible signs of security cameras and other procedures in place to prevent car theft. But…what about off-site parking facilities? Where is your car going to be parked, who will be driving it and what security measures are in place to protect it while you are away?
Your car is a valuable asset. You need to know that you are handing your car over to a reliable company, so don’t be afraid to ask the following questions when booking meet and greet parking:
- How will I recognise my driver?
Anyone collecting your car from you should be uniformed and carry identification. - Where is my car going to be parked?
Your parking company may not disclose the exact location of their car park for security reasons. However, you should be given a general location of their car park and facilities, and how many miles from the airport they are by road. Choose a company that can assure you that your car will be parked in a designated, hard-standing car park. One that is completely hard-standing, not grass. You don’t want to drive straight from the airport to the nearest car wash, do you? - What security measures are in place to protect my car?
Ask about the on-site security measures, which should include CCTV, High fencing, alarms, possibly dog patrols and security of car keys – they should never be left in the vehicles. Keys should be locked in a safe with adequate security. - Where will you meet me and will you be waiting for me?
Your parking company should give you an accurate pick-up point at the terminal, and should be there, waiting to meet you. You have paid for meet and greet parking so you should not have to repeatedly call them to be met or for the return of your car. A maximum of 15 minutes during busy times from when you call seems reasonable.
Some reputable meet and greet parking companies offer a money-back guarantee that you won’t be kept waiting. - What happens when I get back?
On your return, a driver should have your car waiting for you when you leave the terminal. It’s commonplace for passengers to phone the meet and greet company from baggage reclaim, but only to ensure accurate timing of the arrival of your car. You shouldn’t have to phone again when you have left the terminal and then wait for a driver to bring your car to you, it should be waiting.
Check that the company will have your car waiting for you when you leave the airport. - Are your premises licensed?
You get what you pay for, and sometime, cheap is cheap for a reason. Some companies have been known to use ‘unofficial’ car parks – ones that don’t have local planning consent – sometimes cars have been known to be parked in fields. If your car is parked in an unlicensed car park, it is less likely to have adequate security arrangement, such as high fencing, lighting, and security alarms as this will draw attention to the area and could alert local planning authorities. - Do you hold a Park Mark® Safer Parking award?
Always look for the Park Mark® award. The Park Mark® Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative of the Associations of Chief Police Officers aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in parking facilities. Strict guidelines and standards must be met to achieve accreditation and parking facilities are vetted by the police to make sure security measures are in place to meet the Park Mark® Safer Parking facility standard. - Who is going to drive my car?
Pick a company that uses mature, experienced drivers. Does the company you plan to use vet their drivers for criminal records? - What measures are in place to ensure that my car isn’t given to someone else on my return?
You should be provided with a receipt for your car and should not be given back your car without this receipt or some form of photo ID such as your passport.
Further information:
For further information on Park Mark® Safer Parking and to check for companies holding the award click here: www.parkmark.co.uk
Gatwick Airport meet and greet parking company, Help Me Park holds the Park Mark® Safer Parking award - for more information click the link.
09 March 2010
Aberdeen Airport parking scores a safety 'hat-trick'
Grampian Police have handed their top parking safety honour to Aberdeen Airport's new car park, meaning the Dyce terminal has completed the treble.
Representatives from the Force were on site earlier this week to hand over the official 'Safer Parking Award' for the newly opened short stay parking deck and the Priority Parking area.
That is on top of an existing award for the long stay car park, ensuring complete peace of mind for all passengers.
Gillian Stuart is the Contract Manager for APCOA (the car park operators) in Aberdeen. She said "We are delighted to have been awarded the Safe Parking Award for the Short Stay and Priority Parking car parks which are in addition to the award we currently hold for our Long Stay car park.
"The team are very proud of this achievement as we work extremely hard to ensure the car park is safe, secure and clean as we realise how important these are to our customers. The award is only achieved following stringent assessments, by Grampian police and the BPA, of the management processes, physical measures and site security systems to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Superintendent John Duncan from Grampian Police, who handed over the award, said "We applaud any initiative which helps to deter criminality and anti-social behaviour.
"We are delighted to recognise the good work APCOA have done to improve their facilities at the airport and enhance safety for members of the public."
Jemma Forrest, BAA Retail Executive, worked on the parking deck construction project and was delighted with the award. She said "This was one of our most high-profile projects of 2009 and to have our work recognised in this way is great. It is testament to the great working relationship we have with APCOA that has helped us deliver such a trusted product. I am sure our passengers will be pleased to hear how safe their car is at Aberdeen Airport."
The car park was opened in September 2009 at a cost of almost £5 million, providing 500 new short stay spaces. Not long after, in October, the Priority area was opened to the public, complete with wider bays, the closest spaces to the terminal, and all fully undercover. The Priority service is already proving popular with the business community, among others, who are seeking the most convenient time-saving route through the airport. Passengers choosing to go for Priority Parking, now also get access to Priority Security as part of their deal.
To compare Aberdeen airport parking options and book your airport parking online click on the link.
Representatives from the Force were on site earlier this week to hand over the official 'Safer Parking Award' for the newly opened short stay parking deck and the Priority Parking area.
That is on top of an existing award for the long stay car park, ensuring complete peace of mind for all passengers.
Gillian Stuart is the Contract Manager for APCOA (the car park operators) in Aberdeen. She said "We are delighted to have been awarded the Safe Parking Award for the Short Stay and Priority Parking car parks which are in addition to the award we currently hold for our Long Stay car park.
"The team are very proud of this achievement as we work extremely hard to ensure the car park is safe, secure and clean as we realise how important these are to our customers. The award is only achieved following stringent assessments, by Grampian police and the BPA, of the management processes, physical measures and site security systems to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Superintendent John Duncan from Grampian Police, who handed over the award, said "We applaud any initiative which helps to deter criminality and anti-social behaviour.
"We are delighted to recognise the good work APCOA have done to improve their facilities at the airport and enhance safety for members of the public."
Jemma Forrest, BAA Retail Executive, worked on the parking deck construction project and was delighted with the award. She said "This was one of our most high-profile projects of 2009 and to have our work recognised in this way is great. It is testament to the great working relationship we have with APCOA that has helped us deliver such a trusted product. I am sure our passengers will be pleased to hear how safe their car is at Aberdeen Airport."
The car park was opened in September 2009 at a cost of almost £5 million, providing 500 new short stay spaces. Not long after, in October, the Priority area was opened to the public, complete with wider bays, the closest spaces to the terminal, and all fully undercover. The Priority service is already proving popular with the business community, among others, who are seeking the most convenient time-saving route through the airport. Passengers choosing to go for Priority Parking, now also get access to Priority Security as part of their deal.
To compare Aberdeen airport parking options and book your airport parking online click on the link.
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