Manchester Airport generated an estimated £189 million from parking fees last year, accounting for nearly a third of its total £630 million revenue, according to accounts analysed by the Manchester Evening News. The figure, up £20 million from the previous year, includes controversial £100 late payment fines from the airport's new barrierless parking system.
Parking Revenue Soars Amid Criticism
The airport's parking income has drawn sharp criticism from Oldham MP Jim McMahon, who has previously condemned the 'unfair' parking regime in parliament. He has called on airport bosses to be 'transparent and break down the income it receives so that the public can see what is generated through parking'. Airport bosses refuse to disclose how much money is generated through late payment charges, but they say parking revenue has risen in line with other areas of its business, is reinvested into the airport, and helps provide lower airfares and a wide selection of airlines and destinations.
Under the controversial system introduced last year, motorists cannot pay for parking on site. Instead, they must pay a minimum £5.50 online by midnight the following day, depending on the length of the stay. Many forget and are hit with a £100 late payment charge.
Grandfather Fined £200
Peter Walsh, an 80-year-old grandfather from Middleton, was charged £200 after forgetting to pay the fee for two visits to the airport last summer. 'I'm absolutely furious,' he told the Manchester Evening News. Mr McMahon said: 'I've been campaigning on this issue for a significant period now because the problem has never been the principle of charging, it's a system that too often catches people out through confusing payment arrangements and disproportionate penalties often because of the lack of on the spot payment methods for drop off and pick up visits.'
Dovestone Tragedy and Wildfire
At Dovestone Reservoir, one of Greater Manchester's most popular beauty spots, a traumatic weekend saw the death of 18-year-old Karl Holland, who got into difficulties in the water on Friday night. The following night, a huge wildfire broke out on the moors above the reservoir. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze, but eyewitnesses reported hearing 'loud bangs' prior to the fire taking hold, and videos of youths setting fireworks were shared on social media. It is thought the youths had gathered in memory of Karl. Firefighters remain on the scene as strong winds fan the flames, sending smoke and ash across Greater Manchester.
Scenic Bus Route and England Win
In lighter news, tourism writer Liv Clarke caught the 358 bus from Stockport to Hayfield, taking in stunning views of the Peak District, a tin church reminiscent of New England, and Britain's steepest flight of canal locks. Meanwhile, England's 2-1 win over Norway on Saturday night saw Jude Bellingham score an extra-time winner, with 13,000 fans at Freight Island witnessing the nail-biter. The Three Lions face Argentina and Lionel Messi on Wednesday.
Weather and Travel
Temperatures reached a more manageable 26°C today, with highs in the high 20s for the rest of the week, but the Met Office has revealed the end of the heatwave is in sight. Roadworks on King Street in Oldham town centre have closed the south-bound carriageway from Manchester Street to Union Street West due to electricity works.
