An investigation has been launched after nearly 300 parking tickets were given out in four days near Heathrow airport.

Hillingdon Council said its trading standards team has been alerted after 275 tickets were slapped on vehicles at a car park in Yiewsley and one in West Drayton between April 11 and April 15.

The council said some vehicles have been parked by a Heathrow parking company and not the vehicles' owners.

Some vehicles may not have been parked by owners

A statement from Hillingdon Council said: “Between April 11 and 15 we issued 275 £60 parking fines for vehicles parked illegally in Fairfield Road car park, Yiewsley and Brandville Road car park West Drayton.

“We are aware of reports that some vehicles were parked in the car parks by a Heathrow parking company and not the vehicle owners."

A spokesperson for Heathrow said the parking operator was not owned by the airport.

Pictures have emerged online of a large number of vehicles with yellow parking fines attached which also have tickets inside which say “terminal 2” on them.

'Cars not secure'

There are fears the cars may have been part of a Heathrow parking scam

The council spokesman said: “This is a matter we're taking very seriously.

"Our trading standards team has launched an investigation and will be contacting the people who have received parking tickets in due course.”

The spokesman said parking tickets can be appealed and each case will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Hillingdon Council has also issued advice on parking companies, saying: ”We urge members of the public to make adequate checks with any companies they are considering leaving their cars with, and wherever possible ensure that the facilities and services the companies offer meet expectations, particularly with regards to the security of the vehicles.”

A Heathrow spokesperson said: “We are working with the Met. Police and the local community to investigate this matter further. We encourage passengers to use parking services which are British Parking Association accredited, to ensure they receive the best possible service at Heathrow.”

Anyone with concerns is urged to call trading standards by contact the Citizens Advice help line on 03454 040 506.

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