Kevin Smith, 68, from Clifton, has received two parking fines totalling £200 after using the rapid drop-off zone at East Midlands Airport, despite paying the £5 fee on each visit. The penalties were issued because he made the payments while still inside the drop-off zone, contrary to the airport's rules.
How the drop-off zone works
The airport uses a barrier-free automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera system that allows motorists to pull up directly outside the terminal building. Drivers are charged £5 for up to 15 minutes, with an additional £1 for every extra minute, up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
Payment cannot be made in cash or at on-site barriers. Instead, drivers must pay online or by phone before midnight on the day after their visit.
What happened to Kevin Smith
Mr Smith used the airport's rapid drop-off zone to take his son to the airport and later to collect him. He and his son paid £5 via the app on both occasions, with the outward trip taking place on June 30. He says he spent nine minutes in the drop-off zone during the outward visit and six minutes on the return trip, and £5 was deducted from his account each time.
Despite this, he was sent fines of £100 for each visit, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
'So unfair'
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."
He added: "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."
Airport and APCOA respond
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."
Parking operator APCOA, which manages the enforcement, 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."
Penalty fight
It is understood the penalties were issued because Mr Smith made the payment while still within the rapid drop-off area. A notification on the app advises customers they should ensure they've departed the forecourt before processing payment.
Mr Smith's first penalty has already been cancelled, and he is awaiting a response from APCOA regarding the second. He said: "I will not pay and I will fight it in court if I have to."
