AM-GO aims to protect Heathrow travellers as the UK’s busiest airport welcomes millions of passengers each year, many of whom rely on meet-and-greet parking services for convenience. However, some operators have been found to misuse vehicles, leaving travellers vulnerable to scams and reckless handling of their cars.
To address this issue, Heathrow has become the first UK airport to sign up for the Approved Meet and Greet Parking Operator Scheme (AM-GO). This initiative, introduced by the British Parking Association (BPA) and supported by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), aims to regulate meet-and-greet services, ensuring operators adhere to strict standards.
New accreditation scheme sets industry benchmark
Under the AM-GO scheme, meet-and-greet operators at Heathrow will be subject to rigorous checks and must meet specific criteria to receive accreditation. The BPA describes AM-GO as a new standard for airport parking that will provide customers with confidence when booking their service.
To be approved, parking providers must:
- Employ fully insured and qualified staff who carry identification.
- Ensure vehicles are stored in Park Mark-accredited facilities, known for their security and management standards.
- Limit vehicle movements strictly to what is stated in the booking confirmation, preventing unauthorised use.
Sara Fisher, Head of Operations and Business Development at the BPA, welcomed Heathrow’s commitment to raising industry standards: “We have been working with the police for over 20 years to improve safety and standards in parking. This scheme will enable passengers to book their parking with confidence.”
A full list of approved AM-GO operators will be available on the BPA website, and all accredited businesses will display the official AM-GO logo.
Raising awareness to prevent fraudulent practices
One of the key challenges in airport parking is the prevalence of unregulated and fraudulent meet-and-greet services. Many travellers prioritise affordability over security when booking parking, making them susceptible to unscrupulous operators. Heathrow’s adoption of the AM-GO scheme aims to provide greater transparency in the industry and help motorists make informed choices.
Tom Prowse, Head of Surface Access Commercial at Heathrow, emphasised the airport’s commitment to improving customer experience: “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 services with accredited operators, qualified staff, and secure parking, giving travellers confidence in their choices around the airport.”
Passengers are encouraged to check for AM-GO accreditation before booking meet-and-greet services to ensure their vehicles are handled professionally and securely.
