“APH iin Birmingham fell short of our expectations. We struggled to find the location, Zone 2 where we were told to park is not tarmaced and was very muddy and slippery after the rain, especially when walking with suitcases . Other zones are ok but if you are directed to Zone 2, drop passengers and luggage off at the bus stop before parking the car . The barriers are manned rather than automated and you must keep a tiny paper ticket until you leave. Perhaps the price of £50+ for a two day parking (and that’s inc a discount!) included an experience of going back in time?”
“It's there, right next to the airport; the previous APH BHX facility we knew well and liked was at Hams Hall, miles away through busy traffic. Great improvement.
The staff are nice and friendly, like they always were before. We 80-plus year-olds appreciate that. Full marks in particular to the night-time return driver, who advised us on how to return to our car and helped unload our cases. That was really special.
The bus service to Bus Stop A at the airport works well - but alas, getting to and from it doesn't.
Directed to park on arrival in a nearly full Zone 2, we discovered in daylight the surface totally impassible for our two 4-wheeled suitcases, designed for smooth floors, and for our two pull-along cabin bags on two wheels each, likewise. We have to wheel them - most 80-year olds can't sensibly carry two 16kg cases hundreds of yards. Yet there was grit and gravel and bumpiness, and no clear walkway to the bus stop. I had to drive out, back to the bus stop, only then to unload, leave my wife supervising those 4 bags, while I drove off searching for an empty slot and then parking and walking what felt like a long way back to that bus stop.
Coming back at night in the dark was worse. It had rained, there were now puddles and mud in those bumps, and my shoes were muddy climbing into my car to go to the bus stop to collect my cases and wife. Luckily I always carry old newspapers to save my carpets..
Please try to improve your interface between our cars and the bus service - you need to provide a flat surfaced car park, not a slightly-gravelled field. This is especially important for older folk having and needing wheeled luggage.
If you're not able to improve the surface, nor provide a drop-off reception as at Hams Hall, we probably won't want to use this car park again.”
“Directions to car park were a little vague, but we got there in the end. Transfer bus driver (both ways) was very polite and explained pick-up for return very well. Was a little worried when shown footage of joy riders at a long stay car park in Birmingham but not sure it was where we parked. Overall, decent price and hassle free transfers.”
