A man was left in disbelief when a complete stranger parked their car in his driveway - and didn't return for several days.
Zekarias Haile, who lives in Woodhouse Park, Wythenshawe near Manchester Airport, claims the rogue vehicle was left by holidaymakers looking to dodge the pricey long-stay parking fees. The 51-year-old, who stays in the property with his wife and two children, said the Range Rover restricted the family's access to the garden and bins, with the owner not returning to collect it until four days later.
Zekarias, who is a lecturer in Engineering at Wakefield College, told the Manchester Evening News : "I just went out and it was there. Then it was there Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. On Monday morning when we woke up it was gone."
The dad called the police over the abandoned vehicle, however was told that it wasn't a criminal offence and there was nothing they could do. Officers explained that because Zekarias' car, which he was forced to park on the road, wasn't being blocked, they couldn't legally tow the vehicle.
During an interview in 2022, Zekarias said: "I was very angry but I resisted doing anything to the car - just. I definitely didn't feel all right about it. We couldn't access our garden and we couldn't take out our bins."
The homeowner added that he has become aware of rogue parking companies operating in the area, where the family have been living for 14 years, and suspects that car could have had something to do with one of those
He explained: "A lady who was out the front when it was left told me the driver was wearing a high-vis jacket so I do believe it was one of those companies. My worry now is that, because I couldn’t do anything about it, it will happen again.
"There are rogue parking firms who claim they are meet and greet and they just park in our area. It's a violation of my private property."
In recent years, both residents of Wythenshawe and holidaymakers have faced significant problems with parking in the area. Expensive parking charges at Manchester Airport have forced flyers to find cheaper alternatives, with some homeowners have even taken advantage of this by renting out their driveways.
However, Zekarias has said he would never rent out his driveway, even in exchange for cash. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed the matter was not a criminal offence, but that the homeowners could approach the council and take civil action.
Speaking on the parking situation at Manchester Airport, they added: "As well as our own wide range of products, there are many reputable operators that serve Manchester Airport. We categorically do not condone the practices of rogue operators, including those that falsely imply customers' cars will be parked in secure locations and whose activities blight surrounding communities.
"We have worked closely with council trading standards teams and Greater Manchester Police over many years to combat this, and speak regularly with local councillors and residents about their concerns. As passenger numbers continue to increase in the wake of the pandemic we will maintain our position on this, working closely with Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police."
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