Review Time
It's clear that this firm is beyond hope and decency, and yet another sick example of the opportunism and invasive nastiness that is now so prevalent in this country.Agreed to run a friend of a friend to T1. Having done the same run several times over the past few years, I fully expected to pay on exit at the barriers. It is a fact that one cannot swiftly stop to process the many signs displayed on approach to the drop off area, nor had I any knowledge that the "system" had changed. I appealed the £100 fine, and this was (naturally) declined. The letter had 6 photos that showed 4 deliberately discreet and minimal signage, colour coded to blend with the background dark blue of the height restriction sign, and one, laughably, at knee-level alongside the pavement? The "tariffs apply" sign had small writing below, leading a reasonable person to conclude that the process of paying on exit would apply. This firm knows full well that one cannot stop to read fine detail without risking further fines, and I fully understand that this is a deliberate effort to extort money from innocent people using this facility.
I arrived at the T3 drop-off and pick-up zone at 8:44 pm this evening. The area was quiet, with only one other car present. My partner came to the car within 30 seconds. Two traffic marshals were in the car park, but neither approached me initially. As I prepared to leave, one of the marshals took a picture of my car.When I asked the other marshal why the photo was being taken, he stated that it's a drop-off only area. I apologized for the mistake and asked the marshal who took the picture why he did so. He replied that it was so I could receive a fine.I expressed my disappointment, pointing out that I had made an honest mistake and it was quiet at the time. I asked why they didn't give me a chance to rectify my mistake. The marshal simply told me to "read the signs." However, the signs are located inside the drop-off location, and I was already within the area.I was in the drop-off zone for less than 5 minutes, and I spent 2 of those minutes interacting with the marshals. I'm disappointed by the marshal's behavior, as he seemed more interested in issuing a fine than helping me correct my mistake. I believe he could have approached me and informed me of the error, allowing me to leave and pick up my partner in the correct location.I'm unhappy that the airport employs staff who behave in such a manner. A more helpful and courteous approach would have been appreciated.*Key Points*- I made an honest mistake in a quiet drop-off zone.- The traffic marshals didn't approach you initially. I had to question them. - A photo was taken of my car as i was leaving.- I am disappointed by the marshal's behavior and the lack of opportunity to correct your mistake.
I wish to record my serious concern regarding a Parking Charge Notice issued by APCOA Parking (UK) Ltd following a brief drop-off at Manchester Airport Terminal 2. The circumstances and the subsequent handling of my appeal raise legitimate questions about the fairness, proportionality, and transparency of APCOA’s operating practices at this site.The alleged contravention occurred at night on 17 October 2025, during hours of darkness and light rain. The vehicle entered the Terminal 2 forecourt directly from a roundabout exit, where signage is minimal, unilluminated, and positioned in such a way that drivers cannot safely read or process the information without compromising road safety. Google Street View imagery (May 2025) confirms that there was no dedicated lighting for the tariff boards at this entry point at the time of capture. Even if lighting has since been installed, this does not alter the fundamental issue, drivers approaching from a roundabout cannot possibly read, process, and understand detailed payment instructions in the few seconds available while maintaining safe control of their vehicles, particularly during hours of darkness or poor weather.The problem is therefore not merely one of illumination, but of unsafe and impractical sign placement.APCOA claims that the site is “clearly signed” and that the driver should have been aware of the charge. This assertion is simply untenable. Under the British Parking Association (BPA) Code of Practice, Clauses 19.3–19.4, operators must ensure that signage is “conspicuous, legible, and visible at all times, including during the hours of darkness.” That requirement was plainly not met in this case. It is unreasonable to expect a driver to read small print about online payment while navigating a roundabout exit at night.According to APCOA’s own photographic evidence, the vehicle was present for less than three minutes, entirely consistent with a legitimate drop-off and with no intent to park or evade payment. Such a brief stop cannot reasonably constitute a breach of contract when the driver had no practical opportunity to understand or accept the terms in question.Furthermore, the tariff structure at this forecourt is wholly disproportionate. The airport’s Short-Stay Car Park (T2 Multi-Storey West / P3) charges £6.40 for up to 15 minutes, yet the forecourt demands £25 for just over 10 minutes, and imposes a £100 penalty for any non-payment, even in cases of clear confusion or first-time use. This discrepancy undermines any claim that the system exists to manage traffic flow, it appears instead to function as a revenue-generating mechanism targeted at unsuspecting visitors.APCOA’s rejection of my appeal failed to engage with these substantive issues and merely repeated standardised text about “cashless systems” and “clear signage”. This kind of response, devoid of factual analysis, does not reflect the conduct expected of an AOS-approved operator under the BPA Code.In my view, APCOA’s current operation at Manchester Airport T2 constitutes a misleading and unfair commercial practice, contrary to the spirit of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, particularly Schedule 2, paragraph 6, which identifies disproportionate financial penalties as an unfair term.I strongly suggest other drivers to avoid the Terminal 2 drop-off zone altogether and instead use the short-stay car park, which offers clearer signage, better lighting, and more transparent pricing.
Parked at Royal Stoke University Hospital to attend an appointment. As per usual, I spent a good 15 minutes driving around the car park attempting to find a space. Ahead of attending the appointment, I looked online on the Apcoa website for the prices to park - £3.00 for up to 2 hours. However, I was charged £3.40 on the day. Paying at a machine left me no option but to pay the fee displayed. Yes, 40p isn't much but it is the principle.I contacted Apcoa following this to which they simply said their website is wrong and the charges are per their signs in the car park. It is a little bit too late once you're on the car park, driving around to realise you're 40p short of the expected fee! I would hate to think I was in an emergency situation.
I'm leaving this review following a conversation with Wayne Biggins. No-one likes to receive a parking fine and especially when a payment has been made. On explaining the situation Wayne could see a payment had been made but a mistake had been made with the timing of the visit. Wayne immediately corrected the timing of the visit. Wayne was polite, professional and showed a human quality not often associated with parking offences!
Claim your business profile now and gain access to all features and respond to customer reviews.
APCOA Parking AG is Europe's longest-established full service parking management company.
designedbyallyssa.wordpress.com
magicwin.casino
dxbooking.etihad.com
tillyandfamily.com
revelcardinfo.com
www.boatspecialists.com
printerprix.co.uk
www.garagistic.com
wearechiyo.com
bigbuy.eu
