More than 7,300 people have signed an online petition calling for a review of airport terminal drop-off charges. Campaigners are urging the UK Government to investigate rising fees and introduce greater protections for motorists.
Petition Seeks CAA Powers to Cap Fees
The petition 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.
Petition creator Spiros Saragoudas also wants the review to consider introducing a free 10-minute grace period at airports, ending what they describe as 'profit-making from terminal forecourts' and preventing airports from manipulating costs.
Charges Called a 'Stealth Tax'
The 'Launch a review into airport terminal drop-off charges' petition has been posted on the Petitions Parliament website. It argues 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.
The petition also 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.
Scottish Airport Charges Vary
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 and Next Steps
The petition says the UK Government should examine whether airport forecourt charges are being set fairly and whether greater regulation is needed to ensure transparency. It is also calling for an end to airports generating profits from terminal drop-off areas and wants any review to consider introducing a standard free grace period to allow passengers to be dropped off without paying.
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."
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.
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".
