A recent rule change to one of the UK’s busiest airports has left drivers with fines of up to £100. Manchester Airport has removed its exit barriers with the aim of streamlining traffic in its drop-off zones. However, for those planning to take their loved ones to catch their flight, they will need to familiarise themselves with the new system.
The change has so far caused complications for many motorists who were not aware of the change. Drivers completing a drop-off are required to pay for parking once they leave the premises, and failing to do so could result in a hefty Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £100, according to Travel and Tour World. The new method of paying is now solely on the drivers shoulders to remember, with many who are unaware of the new system now at risk of a fine.
Manchester is not the only airport to remove exit barriers at the drop-off zone, as seven major UK airports have implemented the system too. Despite the upgrade being designed to improve efficiency, drivers are now at a greater risk of being slapped with a fine.
Previously, exit barriers were in place to prevent drivers from leaving the premises unless they had paid for the time that they had used the car park.
Some airports that have removed these physical barriers have introduced automated payment systems alongside. Yet, some rely on drivers to remember to log-in online and pay after they have completed their drop-off.
A recent survey of UK motorists showed that 21% of the 2,000 car owners questioned felt the removal of exit barriers made the process of dropping off loved ones to the airport more stressful.
Respondents raised concern over the additional complexity of paying afterwards and keeping track of information online.
For the airports which introduced automated payment systems, drivers are able to electronically pay their charges as they exit the airport, without the need to follow up after they leave.
Yet where these systems are not in place alongside the removal of exit barriers, the burden falls on the motorist to remain to pay online once home, leading to a greater chance of receiving a fine.
