Shropshire Star

Drivers hit with higher prices for drop-off services at Stansted Airport

Cost of a stop for more than 15 minutes has risen to £28

By contributor Jack Evans, PA Motoring Reporter
Published

Stansted Airport has increased the price it charges drivers to drop off passengers at its terminals.

Now, stops of 15 minutes or more will require a payment of £28, while those staying for under 15 minutes will have to pay £10 – a £3 increase on previous charges. Drivers who stay in the area outside the terminal for more than 30 minutes will be hit with a £100 Parking Charge Notice, though this can be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

There is also a £28 charge for re-entering within 30 minutes of first entering the car park.

Blue Badge holders are exempt from all fees entirely.

It follows on from similar price rises for drop-off parking at other UK airports. In December, London’s Heathrow increased drop-off charges from £6 to £7, while using the same service at Gatwick will set drivers back £10.

A spokesperson for Stansted Airport said that the move would aim to ‘manage congestion at the terminal and reduce “kiss and fly” traffic, which is a major contributor to road congestion around the airport.’ It added that the airport is ‘required under planning conditions to ensure that at least 50% of passengers access the airport by public transport. This threshold will rise to 54% as passenger numbers increase.’

“We continue to offer a free park and ride facility for those who are happy to be dropped off and picked up further away from the terminal, as well as a discount scheme for local residents living within 10 miles of the airport”, the spokesperson added.