I was forced to pay £25 drop-off ‘overstay charge’ for parking at airport car park – but it wasn’t my fault
ANGRY motorists have slammed Manchester Airport for what they call a “rip-off” system for dropping off pals and family.
They claim massive queues to drive out of the car park force them over the 10-minute limit – making the fee sharply increase to £25.
Anyone dropping off family or friends directly outside the terminals faces an initial £5.
That figure rises to £6.20 if they spend up to 10 minutes in the designated zone.
But as the clock ticks over the 10-minute mark, it rockets up to the £25 “overstay charge”.
A retired teacher from Bury said he got trapped in the car park because of the traffic and one of the exit barriers failing to work, Manchester Evening News reported.
The unnamed 55-year-old reportedly complained to his local MP and the airport, after having to cough up the £25.
Manchester Airport apologised, adding people were entitled to refunds.
Manchester Evening News claims many motorists have contacted the publication voicing their concern over the same issue.
Another unnamed motorist was quoted as saying: “I dropped off my friends this morning and there was a massive queue to get out.
“They are ripping people off.
“I asked them how is that my fault, just because there is a massive queue to get out? I asked them why at the barrier and they said ‘because we are busy’.
“It only took me a minute to drop off my friends but longer than 10 minutes to get out. It’s just not fair.”
Drivers complain that the drop-offs take no more than 90 seconds, but they then face a massive queue.
Another anonymous driver said: “There must have been 50 cars in the queue, most of them taxis. It’s just appalling.”
The airport previously had a free “kiss and fly” zone, but it was axed in 2018 in favour of revenue raising – although the airport said it was aimed at relieving congestion.
Responding to customer complaints, a Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “A barrier failed in the drop off area of Terminal 1 this morning causing traffic to be held up on exit and – although we opened other barriers and waived charges to alleviate the queue – it resulted in a small number of vehicles being overcharged.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.
“All passengers affected by this morning’s issue are entitled to refunds and should use the feedback section of our website to begin the process.
“Forecourt drop-off charges help us to manage demand for access to our forecourts and reduce traffic congestion around the airport, which was a significant problem prior to the introduction of charges. We offer a completely free drop off service from our JetParks1 car park, just a five-minute shuttle bus ride from our terminals.
“The shuttle buses run regularly 24 hours a day.”