Archie's Taxis anger at Bristol Airport parking fee rise
THE boss of a Wellington taxi firm has slammed Bristol Airport bosses after it quadrupled its 'Drop and Go' parking fees in little over nine months.
Paul Hickinbottom reckons the increase will cost his firm, Archie's Cabs, around £2,000 extra a year.
The fee to use the Drop and Go area at the airport, where people can park for up to ten minutes, went up from £3 to £4 on Friday. It had increased from £1 at the end of October.
"I was furious - they did this without any prior warning," said Mr Hickinbottom.
"We take 300 people to Bristol a year - most of them also require picking up when they return. That could be an extra 1,800 a year from when it cost £1.
"Our parking bill has gone up £1 each time a few months after they put it up £2 each time. I think it's profiteering.
"We're the cheapest firm taking people from Wellington or Taunton to Bristol Airport at £65.
"I can't just afford to swallow it up these increases, but this could finish us. It's naughty what they've done.
"I can't afford it. I don't want to keep putting our prices up, but I'll have to. It's the poor customers that ends up paying the bill."
A Bristol Airport spokesman said the fee was increased on Friday (August 14) as the intention is to see a rapid turnover of vehicles in the Drop and Go area, discouraging longer stays.
He added: "The tariff reflects its convenience and proximity to the terminal.
"In recent months the area has been enhanced and redesigned to provide improved dropping off facilities for customers with easy access to the terminal.
"The development work also includes an extended drop off area and the installation of an additional exit barrier using the latest technology number plate recognition and contactless payment facilities.
"Development work continues and the trials of a pre-registered cashless solution to improve customer experience is being considered.
"Customers who are dropping off family and friends who have a disabled badge, will continue to be able to use the Drop & Go area for 30 minutes free of charge.
"The Drop & Go area is only one car park available as customers have a choice of other car parking options including a free one hour Waiting Zone.
"The free one hour car park is located by the entrance to Silver Zone to the south of the terminal.
"Drivers can wait for 60 minutes free of charge in this area, before relocating to the collect customers from the car parks closer to the terminal.
"A courtesy bus transfer bus service is also available between the Waiting Zone and terminal.
"An alternative to the Drop & Go car park is the Short Stay and Pick Up car park, located opposite the terminal building and within a short walking distance.
"This car park is designed for drivers requiring longer stay lengths when collecting or dropping off family, friends and customers, the fee is £3.50 for 20 minutes."
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