Kevin Smith, 68, received £200 in parking fines after using the rapid drop-off zone at East Midlands Airport on two separate occasions – once to drop his son off and again to collect him. The father paid the £5 charge for both visits through the official app, leaving him "confused" when the penalty notices arrived.
The drop-off zone uses a barrier-free ANPR camera system, allowing drivers to stop directly outside the terminal. Motorists pay £5 for up to 15 minutes, with an extra £1 for every additional minute, up to a maximum of half an hour. Cash and on-site payment machines are not accepted; drivers must pay online or by phone before midnight on the day after their visit.
Paid twice, fined twice
Mr Smith and his son used the app to pay for both the drop-off on 30 June and the later pick-up. He says he spent nine minutes in the zone for the drop-off and six minutes for the pick-up, with £5 deducted from his account on both occasions. Despite this, he received fines of £100 for each visit, reduced to £60 if settled within 14 days.
Mr Smith told the Nottingham Post: "They took the money on both occasions for the rapid drop-off. We paid on the app, we followed the rules, the money left the account and then they had the cheek to give me £60 fines."
"This isn't just about me, but about people who might not have a phone or who are just stuck in a bit of a bubble," he added. "I think it's so unfair. It was my first time going to East Midlands Airport and it was very confusing. I think they need to make it a lot simpler for people."
Why the fines were issued
The fines were issued because Mr Smith made payment while still inside the rapid drop-off zone. A notice on the app advises customers to make sure they have left the forecourt before completing payment.
An East Midlands Airport spokesperson said: "We introduced an improved layout and clear signage last year which we're satisfied provides a better customer experience."
A spokesperson for parking firm APCOA said: "Customers are advised on the payment screen that vehicles must have left the drop off area before a payment is made. Customers then have until midnight the following day to pay for their visit."
First fine cancelled
Mr Smith's first fine has already been cancelled, and he is awaiting a response from APCOA regarding the second. He remained defiant, adding: "I will not pay and I will fight it in court if I have to."
