Kevin Smith, 68, from Clifton, said he was "confused" after receiving two £100 parking fines from East Midlands Airport even though he had paid £5 for each visit to its rapid drop-off zone.
Mr Smith used the drop-off zone twice earlier this summer: once to take his son to the airport and again to pick him up after his trip. On both occasions, he paid the required £5 fee through the app.
The fines, which can be reduced to £60 each if paid within 14 days, were issued despite the payments leaving his account. His first penalty has already been cancelled, and he is now waiting for a response from parking firm APCOA over the second fine.
How the drop-off zone works
The rapid drop-off zone uses a barrier-free Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera system, letting motorists stop directly outside the terminal. Stays of up to 15 minutes cost £5, with an extra £1 for each additional minute up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
Payments cannot be made with cash or at on-site machines. Instead, drivers must pay online or by phone no later than midnight on the day after their visit.
Mr Smith said he spent nine minutes in the zone during the outward visit on June 30 and six minutes on the return trip. "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," he told the Nottingham Post.
Alleged payment breach
The Nottingham Post reports the penalties were issued because Mr Smith allegedly made the payment while still inside the rapid drop-off area, rather than after leaving it.
A spokesperson for 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."
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."
Fighting the fine
Mr Smith said he believes the system is unfair, particularly for people without phones or those less familiar with the process. "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. 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," he added.
He has pledged not to pay the second fine and says he is ready to "fight it in court if I have to".
