Specialist Vehicle Rental and Maple Parking Launch the UK’s First Dedicated Accessible Airport Vehicle Hire Service

Travelling through an airport can be stressful for anyone, but for disabled travellers and those with reduced mobility, arranging suitable transport before even beginning a journey often adds another layer of complexity.

Finding a wheelchair accessible or adapted vehicle at the airport isn’t always straightforward. In many cases, passengers have been forced to compromise, arrange expensive alternative transport or rely on family and friends.

That’s exactly why Specialist Vehicle Rental (SVR) and Maple Parking have joined forces to launch what is believed to be the UK’s first dedicated accessible airport vehicle hire service.

Available from Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport, the new service gives passengers the opportunity to have a fully adapted or wheelchair accessible vehicle waiting for them when they land, making onward travel simpler, safer and far more convenient.

A New Standard for Accessible Airport Travel

Developed with guidance from Disabled Motoring UK (DMUK), this new partnership has one clear goal — making airport travel more accessible for everyone.

By combining Maple Parking’s extensive airport operations with Specialist Vehicle Rental’s fleet of wheelchair accessible and adapted vehicles, passengers now have access to a service specifically designed around their individual mobility needs.

Whether travelling for business, a family holiday or an important appointment, customers can now arrange an adapted vehicle that is ready when they arrive.

 

Available at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester Airports

The service is available immediately at three of the UK’s busiest airports:

• Heathrow Airport (Terminals 2, 3 and 5)
• Gatwick Airport
• Manchester Airport

Both companies also have plans to introduce the service at additional UK airports in the future, helping improve accessibility for even more travellers nationwide.

Two Convenient Ways to Collect Your Vehicle

Recognising that every journey is different, customers can choose between two simple collection options.

Meet & Greet Accessible Vehicle Hire

Passengers can have their wheelchair accessible or adapted vehicle delivered directly to their airport terminal upon arrival.

There’s no need to travel to an off-site depot or arrange additional transport. Once you collect your luggage, your vehicle will be waiting for you, allowing you to continue your journey without unnecessary delays.

Dedicated Vehicle Collection

Alternatively, customers can collect their pre-booked accessible vehicle from a dedicated airport collection point at a time that suits their travel plans.

Both options are designed to minimise stress while giving travellers maximum flexibility.

 

Developed With Disabled Travellers in Mind

Unlike traditional vehicle hire, this service has been developed alongside Disabled Motoring UK, ensuring the needs of disabled passengers remain at the heart of the experience.

For many travellers, having confidence that a suitable vehicle will be available exactly when needed can make all the difference.

Graham Footer, Chief Executive of Disabled Motoring UK, said:

“This is a significant moment for disabled travellers. Having a dedicated accessible vehicle waiting at the airport is something our community has needed for a very long time.”

 

Bringing Together Two Industry Leaders

Specialist Vehicle Rental has spent more than 17 years helping customers across the UK access high-quality wheelchair accessible and adapted vehicles. Maple Parking, established in 1992, has become one of the UK’s leading airport parking providers, serving millions of passengers travelling through Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and other major airports. Together, the partnership creates a seamless experience from the moment passengers arrive at the airport to the moment they begin their onward journey.

Juggy Kudhail, CEO of Specialist Vehicle Rental, said:
“We have worked incredibly hard to make this a reality. Every passenger deserves to travel with confidence and independence, and this partnership with Maple Parking is our commitment to making that possible.”

Oli Jones, Head of Marketing, Maple Parking said:
“Maple Parking has always been about making the airport journey seamless, and our established presence across Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester puts us in a unique position to make this service a reality. Partnering with Specialist Vehicle Rental to launch the UK’s first dedicated accessible vehicle airport hire service is something we’re genuinely proud of. For disabled travellers, knowing that the right vehicle will be there — at the airport, at the right time — makes an enormous difference. “

 

Why This Matters

Accessible transport shouldn’t be an afterthought.

For too long, disabled passengers have had limited options when travelling through UK airports. By introducing dedicated wheelchair accessible airport vehicle hire, SVR and Maple Parking are helping remove one of the biggest obstacles many travellers face.

This service offers:

• Wheelchair accessible and adapted vehicles
• Convenient airport collection
• Terminal Meet & Greet delivery
• Flexible booking around flight times
• Support from experienced accessibility specialists
• Trusted airport operations across major UK airports

The result is a simpler, more accessible travel experience that gives passengers greater independence and peace of mind.

 

How to Book an Accessible Airport Vehicle

Passengers can book directly through either Specialist Vehicle Rental or Maple Parking.

Every booking is tailored to individual mobility requirements, ensuring customers receive the most appropriate vehicle for their journey.

Whether you’re travelling from Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport or Manchester Airport, arranging an adapted vehicle has never been easier.

For more information or to make a booking, visit:

https://specialistvehiclerental.co.uk/airport-accessible-vehicle-hire/

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airports offer accessible vehicle hire?

The service is currently available at Heathrow Airport (Terminals 2, 3 and 5), Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport.

What types of vehicles are available?

Specialist Vehicle Rental offers a range of wheelchair accessible and adapted vehicles designed to meet a variety of mobility requirements.

Can my vehicle be delivered to the terminal?

Yes. The Meet & Greet service allows your accessible vehicle to be delivered directly to your airport terminal when you arrive.

Who can use the service?

The service is available for disabled passengers, wheelchair users, carers and families requiring an adapted vehicle during their travels.

Can I book through Maple Parking?

Yes. Customers can book through either Maple Parking or Specialist Vehicle Rental.