Machelen mayor wants dubious airport parkings out, but quick solutions are elusive

Machelen's mayor, Jean-Pierre De Groef, is determined to remove questionable airport parking operations from his municipality, citing a flood of customer complaints. The issue has plagued the area near Brussels Airport for years, with online reviews detailing a range of problems.

Customers have reported significant damage to their vehicles, unauthorized long-distance joyrides in their cars, and instances of fraudulent cancellations with no refunds. Drivers of shuttle buses have also been accused of dangerous driving practices. The situation has led to widespread dissatisfaction among travelers who rely on these services when departing from Brussels Airport.

Despite the mayor's desire to act decisively, implementing swift measures against the parking companies and their employees proves complex. The municipality is encountering legal and administrative limitations that hinder immediate intervention. The Halle-Vilvoorde prosecutor's office is currently investigating some of these cases, indicating ongoing efforts to address the reported misconduct.

One recent incident involved a baker whose BMW sustained severe damage while parked at one of these Machelen facilities. The car was reportedly driven hundreds of kilometers and caught by speed cameras while the owner was abroad. The parking company, owned by a British multinational, did not respond to inquiries from VRT NWS. This case exemplifies the recurring issues reported by numerous customers concerning parking businesses operating near Belgium's main airport.

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This type of company does not belong in our municipality.