Airport drop off car park to be axed this month
05.04.10
The free drop-off zone for passengers outside the entrance to Newcastle Airport is to be closed later this month the Chronicle reports. As a substitute, a brand new express car park is going to be created at the front of the airport, with a cost of £1 for the first 20 minutes. Those that want to avoid being charged will have to use a new designated car park that is a three-minute walk from the terminal. Parking there is going to be free for an extended time of 15 minutes instead of the present 5 minutes. Upon request, passengers with reduced mobility will be provided with assistance to the terminal from the free parking zone, express car park or short stay car park.
The change comes nearly two years after the airport slashed the free drop-off times from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, which angered taxi drivers in particular. They again claim passengers are being hit in the pocket by the airport. 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 dearer for passengers. If they want dropping off outside the terminal, then we are going to charge them for any costs.’
The airport has invested £300,000 in the new express car park, providing a ticket less entry and exit system, using automated number plate recognition technology and coin-drops at the exit barriers in an effort to improve traffic flows.
A spokeswoman for Newcastle Airport told the newspaper: ‘From April 26, the free parking interval 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. The 15-minute free period provides the airport’s customers one of the most generous free parking durations available at any UK airport. In addition, a designated taxi pick-up and set-down area is going to be offered within the new 15-minute free parking zone.’
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