Newcastle Airport drop-off zone to be axed
05.04.10
The free drop-off zone for passengers outside the entrance to Newcastle Airport is to be axed, the Chronicle reports. Instead, a new express car park will be created at the front of the airport, , with a charge of £1 for the first 20 minutes. Those who wish to avoid being charged will have to use a new designated car park that is a three-minute walk from the terminal. Parking there will be free for an extended time of 15 minutes instead of the current five minutes and will open later this month. Upon request, passengers with reduced mobility will be provided with assistance to the terminal building from the free parking zone, express car park or short stay car park.
The move comes nearly two years after the airport slashed free drop-off times from 10 minutes to five minutes, which angered taxi drivers in particular. They once again claim passengers are being hit in the pocket by airport chiefs. Bob Sneddon of the North Tyneside hackney Carriage Association told the newspaper: ‘This is going to make things even harder for taxi drivers and ultimately more expensive for passengers. If they want dropping off outside, then we will charge them for any costs.’
The airport has invested £300,000 in the new express facility, providing a ticket less entry system, using automated number plate recognition technology and Tyne Tunnel-style coin-drops at exit barriers in order to improve traffic flows.
A spokeswoman for Newcastle Airport told the newspaper: ‘From April 26, the free parking period for picking up and dropping off passengers will be increased from five to 15 minutes, in a dedicated parking area just three minutes’ walk from the terminal building .The 15-minute free period provides the airport’s customers with one of the most generous free parking periods available at any UK airport. In addition, a designated taxi pick-up and set-down area will be provided within the new 15-minute free parking zone.’
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