New airport parking rules slammed
21.05.09
Changes to parking charges at Leeds Bradford Airport have been branded 'unfair' and 'impossible', the Yorkshire Evening Post reports. The airport's drop-off / pick-up zone (short term car park) free waiting time has been slashed from ten to five minutes, with enforceable payment after that.
After the initial five minutes, a charge of £2.50 must be paid at the ticket barrier for up to 15 minutes waiting time. There is a no return policy for 30 minutes, so people cannot drive around and avoid paying. If they return, they must pay, and a number plate recognition system is used to enforce this.
Cab drivers claim the changes are unfair and impossible, due to traffic congestion and people unloading their bags, plus the needs of disabled and elderly people. Martyn Johnson, of SJK Private Hire, told the newspaper: ‘It is going to be difficult for private hire and taxis, as passengers will not want to pay extra. But the cost will have to be passed on.’
‘It simply isn't long enough. It has been manic up there because queues to leave have taken so long that parking staff have lifted barriers and let everybody go through without charge, to unblock the car park.’
But the airport said they had implemented changes, as part of a £2m improvement scheme, to make life easier for passengers. A spokesman said: ‘We do allow the five minutes free, but we have to make changes in line with other airports. Our aim is to provide quick and easy access to the airport. We hope the changes will make traffic flow easier for everyone.’
The spokesman added that they offered a taxi card, for an annual fee of £25, which means drivers pay 50p for up to 15 minutes waiting. She also said that assistance was in place for people with disability or special needs, accessible by pressing an intercom.
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