http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/angry-motorists-say-new-liverpool-7255099Angry motorists said a new parking system introduced at Liverpool John Lennon Airport today was “ridiculous”.
The airport has axed its free five-minute drop off point in favour of a new “express drop off and pick up” car park which will cost £2 for 20 minutes.
Drivers will have the alternative option of using another drop off point which is free for up to 20 minutes but is further away from the main terminal.
Airport bosses said the changes will improve traffic flow and safety.
But when the ECHO visited the airport this afternoon drivers and holidaymakers were angry about the new rules.
Karin O’Shaughnessy, from Widnes, said: “I think it’s an absolute disgrace. You park up for two minutes and they charge you £2 to get out.”
Mark and Beckie Radcliffe from Rainhill were being dropped off by relatives and did not know there was a charge until the ECHO asked them what they thought about it.
Beckie said: “It’s ridiculous. You just don’t expect it. It’s a rip off for five minutes. We thought you didn’t have to pay.”
Those motorists who choose not to pay £2 can use a free car park 450 metres away from the airport terminal.
The ECHO timed the walk and found it took five minutes and 18 seconds.
Few people were using the free drop off and those who were told the ECHO they were unhappy with the changes.
Anthony Byron from St Helens said: “Unfortunately the fact is Liverpool is the most convenient one for us so it’s a case of having to use it. On a day like this it’s not a problem but in mid winter it would be.”
Robin Tudor, head of PR for the airport, told the ECHO staff had been working hard to ensure the changes were implemented as smoothly as possible.
He said: “There’s been weeks of preparation for this.
“There’s lots of staff out there because if people were familiar with the old system they won’t be familiar with this.”
New signs and parking equipment have been installed but Mr Tudor admitted there had been some confusion from disabled airport users.
He said: “Something that has cropped up is blue badge holders, they’ve been asking if they’ll have to walk for ten minutes. From day one we’ve always said blue badge holders get 30 minutes for free in the express area, which is more than they’ve had previously.”
The airport has had 150 taxi drivers apply for the discount card it is offering which will allow them 50% off the express drop off area fee.
Mr Tudor said: “Whether they absorb the cost or pass it on to the passenger is up to them.”
Airport bosses said the change in charges was in response to customer feedback and to improve the traffic flow and levels of safety.
But Alan Hughes, who was dropping his wife off at the free drop off zone, said: “It’s ridiculous.
“We use the airport three or four times a year and not once has someone asked us for a comment about car parking. They said they’d asked customers.
“It’s made me annoyed.”
He added: “It wouldn’t put me off using the airport because it’s on our doorstep.”
Airport chiefs said most other UK airports charge passengers to drop off and pick up passengers.
Short stay parking arrangements remain unchanged.
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