Kevin Smith, 68, from Clifton, has been issued with two £100 fines after using East Midlands Airport's rapid drop-off area to take his son to a flight and later pick him up, despite having paid the £5 fee for both visits.
Mr Smith said he settled the fee via the app on each occasion, and was "confused" when penalty notices totalling £200 arrived. The Nottingham Post understands that although he paid, he inadvertently broke the rules while parking at the site.
How the rapid drop-off area works
The drop-off zone operates using a barrier-free ANPR camera system, allowing motorists to park directly outside the terminal building. Drivers are charged £5 for up to 15 minutes, with an additional £1 for every minute thereafter, capped at a maximum of 30 minutes.
Cash payments and on-site payment barriers are not available. Payment must be made online or by phone by midnight the following day after the airport visit.
Mr Smith said he spent nine minutes in the area when dropping off his son on 30 June, and six minutes when picking him up. The £5 fee was debited from his account on both occasions.
Why the fines were issued
It is understood Mr Smith received the penalties because he made the payment while still within the rapid drop-off zone. A notice on the app alerts customers that they must have exited the forecourt before making 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 operator APCOA explained: "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."
"I will fight it in court"
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. 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."
His first penalty has been cancelled and he is awaiting APCOA's response regarding the second. He added: "I will not pay and I will fight it in court if I have to."
