Manchester Airport faces calls to make huge change to drop-off rules

A travel company has urged Manchester Airportand parking firm APCOA to reconsider their new drop-off charges. Manchester-based online travelagent On The Beach has written an open letter to the airport and APCOA, calling on them to "reconsider the 24-hour payment deadline for drop-off fees" and suggesting they "give people 48 hours to pay".

Manchester Airport responded by stating that the 24-hour payment period is a minimum timeframe and that drivers often have more than 24 hours to pay in most instances. Earlier this year, Manchester Airport introduced a new barrierless drop off system which utilises Automated Number Plate Recognition technology, allowing drivers to leave immediately without paying at the exit barrier.

Instead, they are required to pay the charge by midnight the following day, either online or over the phone. At all three terminals, the drop off charge is £5 for five minutes, rising to £6.40 for up to 10 minutes.

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For those who stay up to 30 minutes, the maximum allowed time, a charge of £25 must be paid. If drivers fail to pay within the time limit, they will receive a parking charge of £100, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. Some passengers have been caught out by the barrierless system, including one couple from Widnes who claimed they "forgot to pay for parking" after their visit to Manchester Airport on July 5, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Manchester Airport has defended its new system, claiming it provides a "quicker and smoother experience" for drivers. The airport also emphasised that the 24-hour deadline is the minimum time frame, meaning if a driver drops off a passenger at 1am, they have until midnight the following day to pay - up to 47 hours. They've also increased signage in the drop-off area.

Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On The Beach, penned a 'humorous' open-letter saying: "At On the Beach, we're proud of our Manchester roots, and send tens of thousands of happy holidaymakers from Manchester Airport every year. But recently, there's been a bit of turbulence, and not the kind that requires a seatbelt sign."

"We're writing on behalf of our customers (and their forgetful family and friends) to ask that you reconsider the 24-hour payment deadline for drop-off fees. Why? Because far too many of our customers' designated drop-off drivers are being stung with up to £100 in fines because of your super short payment period."

She explained: "With the summer holidays upon us, this is about to get a whole lot worse. Millions of families will be heading to Manchester Airport over the coming weeks, many of them relying on friends, family or kind neighbours to do the drop-off.

"These people aren't taking a holiday; they're doing a favour. A noble sacrifice. And they shouldn't be punished for forgetting to pay a fiver while trying to understand why they have holiday blues after spending 5 minutes driving through the airport. Being the one left behind is painful enough, the least we can do is make sure they're not also financially punished for forgetting to pay a parking fee within 24 hours. Especially when forgetting can result in a £100 fine. Ouch."

Zoe concluded: "So, we're asking, kindly, firmly, and with a hint of British sarcasm, to double the time. Give people 48 hours to pay. That's all. Just a fairer window to remember to pay a parking fee before the financial sunburn sets in. Let's work together to take the sting out of going to the airport without actually getting to go on holiday. It's the least we can do for those left waving at drop off."

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In response to the letter, a Manchester Airport spokesman said: "Removing barriers in our drop-off and pick-up areas is allowing us to better manage traffic flow on our site and has made the process quicker and smoother for drivers. That helps them to avoid entering the higher price brackets as a result of longer stays. The system is similar to those in use on toll roads and bridges across the country and a number of other UK airports also operate a barrierless drop-off and pick-up system.

"It is not accurate to say that drivers have 24 hours to pay drop-off and pick-up charges. They have until midnight the day after their visit to pay online or over the phone. That means for a large number of passengers using the airport at our busiest times, people have close to 48 hours in which to pay."

"Passengers can also set up an AutoPay account so that their fee is deducted automatically, removing the need to remember to pay," they added. "These changes were made in conjunction with an extensive communications campaign that included installing prominent signage in drop-off and pick-up areas, as well as media and social media promotion. The overwhelming majority of passengers are paying by midnight the following day and as we implement these changes, we are closely monitoring passenger feedback."

A On the Beach spokesperson told the Mirror: "Ok, so it’s 24 hours minimum - but come on, it’s pretty confusing. Drop off at 11pm? You get 25 hours. Drop off at 5pm? That’s 31. No wonder our customers are getting caught out. We’re just asking for one extra day to pay. Just one, so a 48 hour minimum. Not exactly outrageous, is it?"

The Mirror has also reached out to APCOA for comment.