Bristol Airport, in collaboration with North Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police, has introduced a robust new crackdown to address ongoing parking issues impacting local residents and travelers. This initiative targets illegal off-site parking operators, rogue meet-and-greet companies, and nuisance parking on roads surrounding the airport, following reports of dozens of abandoned vehicles and stranded families during peak periods.
At the height of summer, some unlawful operators parked over 1,000 cars near the airport. In response, a recent parking consultation involving the airport and local councillors resulted in 40 agreed actions aimed at enhancing transport accessibility for visitors, residents, and taxi services alike.
Key measures include doubling airport funding to support the council’s planning enforcement team and installing new signage to enforce no stopping or waiting on the lane off the airport roundabout. Additionally, parking restrictions will limit waiting to two hours at the Bridle Cottage layby on the A38 near the Fox and Goose.
Local taxi firms will receive reminders about the free one-hour waiting zone designed to discourage parking outside private properties. Bristol Airport also plans to expand this free waiting area and improve related signage to better serve users.
Rob Henley, Transport Planning Manager at Bristol Airport, emphasized the importance of cooperation between all parties: “Tackling parking problems effectively requires a united effort with the council and police. We encourage customers to choose public transport options where possible, including the A1, A3, and A4 bus routes, with more to be announced.”
He added, “We urge drivers and taxi services to be considerate of local residents by avoiding parking outside homes. Our free waiting area and a complimentary shuttle bus to the terminal are here to help minimize disruption.”
Bristol Airport remains committed to working collaboratively to implement effective solutions that benefit both the local community and travelers.