An investigation has been launched into unauthorised Bristol ‘airport’ car parks, which have been using nearby fields to accommodate thousands of vehicles. Concerns have been raised by vehicle owners who reported ‘unexplained mileage’ on their odometers, as well as various issues experienced by local communities.
The North Somerset Council’s enforcement team is currently looking into the matter, focusing on the impact of the car parks on the countryside and holidaymakers who were unaware that their vehicles would be parked in fields. Additionally, some vehicles were left on local roads without proper security measures, leading to reports of damages and excessive wear.
To address these issues, Bristol Airport has contributed funds to employ a Planning and Parking Enforcement officer to tackle parking problems in the area. The officer, who works within the Planning Enforcement team at North Somerset Council, conducts regular patrols and has made over 600 site visits in the last year.
As a result of these efforts, Planning Enforcement Officers have investigated 49 cases related to unauthorised airport parking. They have issued several Planning Contravention Notices and enforcement notices, achieving compliance on 19 cases. Notably, the council has successfully intervened in various locations, such as the land near Hyatts Wood Road, to clear parked cars and address the misuse of agricultural fields for parking purposes.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about unethical airport car parking companies operating in the area, with reports of travellers facing difficulties and vehicles being put at risk. This has prompted North Somerset Council’s Trading Standards team to advise caution when booking airport car parking services online and to look for the Park Mark symbol of the British Parking Association.
To address the ongoing challenges, the council and Bristol Airport are engaging with parish councillors and planning a parking meeting to address major hotspots and protect the interests of local communities and travellers.