Taxi rank idea mooted to solve safety issues1:00pm Monday 23rd July 2012 A councillor is calling for a taxi rank on the road outside Leeds Bradford Airport in a bid to help resolve safety issues around the ‘kiss and fly’ charge.
Guiseley and Rawdon councillor Pat Latty made her call amid airport plans to continue its £2 drop-off charge.
Leeds Plans Panel West members agreed last week to discharge a planning condition that means the airport can proceed with its terminal extension, and which also allows it to maintain the charge outside the terminal.
The airport has agreed to provide free one-hour parking closer to the terminal than is already the case. There are also plans to tighten up on vehicles stopping in Whitehouse Lane.
Coun Latty said: “I am really disappointed about this.
“It did seem we were finally making progress towards getting rid of this £2 tax on passengers. Not only is it unfair financially on holidaymakers, but it is also a real safety issue as many people have been avoiding the charge by getting dropped off in Whitehouse Lane or in other streets that surround the airport.
“The new free parking arrangements are a positive, but it remains to be seen if passengers will use it as it will be further away from the main terminal building.”
Coun Latty added: “While this new proposal is better, one possible alternative would be to introduce a taxi rank in Whitehouse Lane, but the council appears reluctant to fund such a scheme, despite the fact it would be hugely popular with the wider taxi trade and would lead to a much safer environment at the airport.”
Otley and Yeadon councillor Colin Campbell also voiced his concerns.
He said: “I am disappointed the plans panel has accepted proposals that fail to deal with the traffic issues associated with airport parking.
“Initially, it appeared to support the idea of a free drop-off point to discourage motorists from stopping in Whitehouse Lane, which does cause a traffic hazard.
“This should have been associated with a longer stay pick-up facility to prevent residents in neighbouring streets being inconvenienced by drivers parking while waiting for planes to land.
“Instead, the panel agreed to allow the airport to introduce a free hour stay car parking area a bus drive from the airport. I am concerned this will do nothing to ease the parking problems caused by the airport.”
Source; http://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/new ... ty_issues/
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