Rogue operators beware as Heathrow joins AM-GO to raise standards in Meet and Greet parking
Meet and Greet parking is a popular service for those travelling by car to airports giving customers the choice of allowing companies to park their vehicle and have it ready for their return. However, many unsuspecting motorists have returned from their travels to find their car has been in the hands of dishonest individuals, who are often not even insured and who target passengers with low prices and then use their vehicles illegally or drive them recklessly. Some wait days for the return of their pride and joy causing unnecessary stress at the end of what should’ve been a relaxing or productive trip.
Now Heathrow has become the UK’s first airport to sign up to the British Parking Association’s new Approved Meet and Greet Parking Operator Scheme (AM-GO), which is supported by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI) making it the only police endorsed scheme of its kind. The process of onboarding quality meet and greet operators servicing Heathrow now begins, raising standards across the sector and providing confidence and assurance for customers.
The BPA says its AM-GO scheme will become the recognised standard for all airports and off-airport meet and greet parking services. AM-GO aims to create a simple process for people to follow so that they can be reassured that all accredited AM-GO operators have reached the high standards required. Passengers should look for the official AM-GO logo when choosing a Meet and Greet parking operator to verify whether their chosen operator meets industry standards. AM-GO approved meet and greet parking operators will also be listed at https://www.britishparking.co.uk/AM-GO/Operators
When entering the airport car park, passengers should go to the signposted meet and greet area to drop off their keys and then to collect their car when they return.
The new AM-GO scheme will ensure that:
- Motorists will be signposted to a single, reliable data source for AM-GO members and can be confident of leaving their vehicle with an Approved Meet and Greet Operator
- Airports have designated, clearly marked and signposted Meet and Greet drop-off and pick-up zones
- Meet and Greet staff, including drivers, will be qualified, professional fully insured, and will carry ID cards and wear uniforms at all times
- Vehicles will be safely stored in a Park Mark® accredited facility and cars won’t be driven any further than stated on the booking confirmation
- Both airports and AM-GO members will be regularly assessed and monitored by BPA qualified auditors to uphold the highest standards
Sara Fisher, BPA Head of Operations and Business Development said: “We are delighted that Heathrow has become the first UK airport to sign up to AM-GO. We have been working with the police for over 20 years raising safety and standards in parking, this scheme will enable passengers to book their parking with confidence”.
Tom Prowse, Heathrow’s Head of Surface Access Commercial, said: “Heathrow is committed to making every journey better from the moment passengers arrive. While we recommend passengers use official on-airport parking, we also want to ensure they have the information and confidence to enable them to make informed decisions about the services they might wish to use around the airport. As the first signatory of the British Parking Association's Approved Meet and Greet Parking Operator Scheme (AM-GO), we’re helping raise industry standards. AM-GO ensures clear, professional, and reliable meet-and-greet services, with accredited operators, qualified staff, and secure parking, giving travellers confidence in their choices around the airport."
Notes to editors
For more information, please contact the BPA press office – email: media@britishparking.co.uk
- The BPA is a not-for-profit membership association representing the UK’s parking and mobility sector. We provide a leading membership community to support parking and traffic management professionals to deliver the highest quality services that benefits society and the environment. We represent over eight hundred corporate members including local government, commercial providers, parking system operators, consultants, and academics. In addition, we have a separate membership structure for over 650 individuals and a range of benefits to support their professional development. Our Vision is for a diverse and inclusive membership community that supports a parking and travel experience that exceeds expectations.