A new online petition calling for a review of airport terminal drop-off charges has attracted more than 5,400 signatures, with campaigners urging the UK Government to investigate rising fees and introduce greater protections for motorists.
Petition Details and Demands
The petition, created by Spiros Saragoudas, calls for the UK Government to launch a review into airport terminal drop-off charges across the UK and consider giving the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) powers to audit and cap fees. It also demands the introduction of a free 10-minute grace period at airports, ending what it describes as 'profit-making from terminal forecourts' and preventing airports from manipulating costs.
The 'Launch a review into airport terminal drop-off charges' petition has been posted on the Petitions Parliament website. It argues that airport drop-off charges have risen sharply in recent years, with Heathrow's terminal fee increasing to £7, and claims the charges have become a 'stealth tax' on motorists, particularly affecting older and disabled passengers.
Transparency Concerns
The petition raises concerns that airports' claims the charges are used for cost recovery lack transparency and says an independent review is needed to ensure the public is protected from what campaigners describe as monopoly pricing. The petition states: 'We want the Government to launch a review into UK airport drop-off fees which looks into giving the CAA powers to audit and cap all airport drop-off fees. The review should look into ways to abolish profit-making from forecourts, a 10-minute free grace period, and preventing cost manipulation.'
It adds: 'We are concerned that 'cost recovery' claims lack transparency and that the fees are a 'stealth tax' on the public, especially the elderly and disabled.'
Current Charges at Scottish Airports
The petition comes at the start of the busy summer holiday season, when thousands of Scots will be travelling through the country's airports. Current charges at Scotland's main airports vary considerably:
- Edinburgh Airport: £8.50 for up to 10 minutes
- Glasgow Airport: £7 for up to 15 minutes
- Aberdeen Airport: £7 for up to 15 minutes
- Glasgow Prestwick Airport: £4.50 for up to 60 minutes
- Inverness Airport: Free designated drop-off area
- Dundee Airport: Free designated drop-off area
Charges shown relate to each airport's official terminal drop-off facilities. Most airports also provide alternative parking or pick-up options, which may be cheaper or free.
Government Response
In a recent written parliamentary answer, Transport minister Keir Mather said decisions on airport parking charges are a commercial matter for individual airport operators. However, he added the Department for Transport continues to engage with airport operators to ensure parking fees and charges are implemented in a way that is 'fair and transparent'.
At 10,000 signatures of support, the petition would be entitled to a written response from the UK Government. At 100,000 signatures, the Petitions Committee would consider it for debate in Parliament.
