The cowboy parking firms plaguing the streets near Manchester Airport

A crackdown has been launched on cowboy parking firms around Manchester Airport. It comes after an onslaught of complaints about cars parked on the residential streets of Wythenshawe or on muddy fields around the hub.

While these unscrupulous firms cause congestion on nearby streets, they also create havoc for the holidaymakers returning from their travels to find their vehicles have been driven for thousands of miles, damaged or even targeted for theft.

Manchester Airport says they have teamed up with Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council to zap ‘inconsiderate and illegal parking’ around the hub. This is not a new issue - residents and holidaymakers have been complaining of these firms for years.

The latest crackdown follows the launch of Operation Cicero in June, a police-led mission of enforcement against dodgy parking firms. The incidents they uncovered included car thefts and criminal damage.

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It comes as Manchester Airport prepares for its busiest month since 2019, with travellers urged to ensure they are booking parking with reputable firms. One homeowner in Wythenshawe said: "We see these dodgy firms parking cars all the time and it doesn't feel like the airport is actually doing anything at all. Ringway is so congested - and after lockdown it's even more noticeable."

But Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, insisted they were taking rogue meet and greet firms 'very seriously', adding: " In addition to our own official parking, there are a number of reliable and reputable third-party providers located near the airport and we would always urge passengers to do their