Belfast International announce drop off / pick up charge
02.07.10
Belfast International Airport will charge £1 for dropping off and picking up passengers from next Wednesday (July 7). It will also only allow motorists to use the new drop off zone for 10 minutes, before they have to park in its short stay car park.
The Consumer Council slammed the decision to introduce the charge. Its research showed over half of all NI air passengers get a lift or take a taxi to and from the airport. It said: ‘Based on 2009 air passenger figures, we estimate this new charge could generate revenue of up to £2.3m per year for BIA.'
‘The Consumer Council is also concerned that the new charge may in fact hinder rather than help airport traffic congestion. If passengers are to pay a £1 fee to use the drop off / pick up zone, many will drop off on the surrounding roads to avoid the charge. This is turn will lead to more congestion outside the airport and further safety concerns as the numbers of passengers with luggage walking to and from the terminal will increase.’
The airport defended the charge, saying that it has invested heavily in the drop-off zone in the wake of new government guidelines after the Glasgow airport bombing. An airport spokesperson said that it had also doubled the time duration at the lowest rate in the short-stay car park for those who needed to stay longer than 10 minutes.
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