Parking an issue at Blackpool Airport :: 22/05/2008 :: Airport Parking News

Locals are concerned that expansion without parking planning will cause trouble

Parking is the main topic of conversation for residents around Blackpool Airport these days after the airport’s new owner, development company Balfour Beatty, recently announced plans to invest £90 million into the airport’s growth.

Plans to takeover the airport were only finalised by Balfour Beatty last week, however the company was quick to announce their development plans for the next 20 years. The plans rely heavily on promoting growth at the airport and increasing the number of passengers who fly from the area.

Councillor Doug Green’s ward includes the airport. He says parking issues need to be addressed before the airport starts growing. He said: “It's one of the only complaints that residents in the area have, but the parking is a real concern.”

According to Mr. Green, the current parking situation is not adequate to handle larger passenger numbers. “We would encourage the airport to expand because it is great for the town,” he said, “but we need to look at a real alternative for airport parking, because the provision at the moment is very restricted. Perhaps the airport operators need to look at doing a deal with private contractors, and making use of land that is a mile or so away, where an off airport park and ride system could be introduced.”

According to Peter Callow, the town’s council leader, there are already plans underway to address the future of parking at the airport.

“We have a task force group set up to look at parking around the airport, and they are due to meet again in about a month. We are looking at ways to encourage people to use public transport, such as extending the tramway system to the airport,” Mr. Callow said.