The Range Rover. The A-lister of cars (perhaps), but that didn't count for much when Manchester Airport put together a list banning certain vehicles from one of their Multi-Storey car parks.
The airport’s published notice states that all Range Rover models are not permitted. That includes the Evoque and Velar. So even the smaller Range Rovers in the family won’t get a pass.
This IS NOT a general ban at Manchester Airport car parks
This story concerns Mid Stay Multi Storey (formerly T1 Multi-Storey), now signposted P12 . We repeat, it is not a general ban across parking facilities at Manchester Airport.
Manchester Airport have published a notice here (the ban list), which incidentally still refers to the car park using its old T1 name, the list is subject to change.
This IS NOT a crusade against 4x4s or even against EVs...
A quick glance at the list shows that this isn’t the work of the Alliance Against Urban 4x4s. In fact, plenty of cars with far greener credentials have also had their names included.
The Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya are all named.
Of course this isn’t really a question of brand or even strictly about car size. It’s about weight and if anything, due to their prevalence in the list, it's a reminder of the inherent heaviness of EVs, including those we've just mentioned above.
What are drivers saying online?
This issue has surfaced in multiple communities online. Take a look here.
Posting to the Facebook Page ‘The Ioniq Guy’, the original poster Steve recounts being informed that his parking (a booking for an Ioniq5 vehicle) had been moved away from the multi-storey, he recalls asking for an explanation and being told ‘my car is too heavy to safely use the multi-storey’. In response, a commenter suggests that this is ‘hand-wringing by anti-EV forces’.
A similar version of events was posted to Piston Heads in a forum thread that gets straight to a specific question, ‘Are EVs banned from airports??’ with audi321, the original poster stating ‘Just tried to book my Taycan in at Manchester airport for an upcoming trip and I get an email within 24 hours cancelling my booking as you car is on a disallowed list.’ Debate ensues about whether this is en ‘EV issue’, with participants concluding (rightly) that it isn’t.
What should Range Rover (and other owners affected) do?
Check the exact parking product before booking. P12 Mid Stay Multi Storey is the one linked to this list; the notice does not establish the same restrictions for other Manchester Airport car parks.
If your vehicle is listed, contact the airport or your booking provider to request further information.
If you’re unsure about a car park listed on Cheap Airport Parking, contact us before booking and we can help check the requirements with the supplier.
The Official Ban List
Here (Subject to Change)