New free parking limits at Newcastle :: 09/06/2008 :: Airport Parking News

Droff off is now limited to 5 minutes at Newcastle

More drivers heading into Newcastle Airport will have to pay for their parking after the airport officials decided to reduce the amount of free waiting time cars can spend in the car park.

Taxi drivers as well as members of the public will now be allowed just five minutes in the car park, including their entry and exit time as well as the time spent dropping off passengers.

The decision has infuriated taxi drivers across the region as well as members of the community who say it often takes longer than five minutes to locate the passenger they are picking up.

The Managing Director of Eastcoast Taxis, Paul Irwin, said: : "Many residents and visitors choose to use their own taxi companies when arriving or departing from the airport; this latest move by Newcastle Airport Parking simply throws one hell of a hurdle in the way of our service.

"If we can't resolve this issue then charges will simply have to be passed on to customers which is something we do not want to do. Drivers are coping with increased fuel prices at the moment and something like this is certainly not welcome nor necessary."

In response to their concerns, the airport has suggested that taxi drivers apply for a ‘Discount Card.’ The card works on a debit system and allows people to quickly pay parking fees by swiping the card if they have to stay longer than five minutes.

Mr Irwin added: "The other operators who have joined me in voicing their objections to these new moves operate over 1,350 vehicles – if the airport were to get their way and all our own drivers joined their Discount Card Scheme we'd be talking of a hefty total of £67,500 which the trade can ill afford at present.

"We urgently need to speak with the airport to find a solution to these extortionate prices and I would welcome an opportunity to begin a dialogue."

A spokesperson from Newcastle International Airport confirmed the decision. : "As from June 1, the free period in the airport's 'Pick Up and Drop Off' car park is now five minutes, reduced from ten minutes,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson continued: "The airport has invested £200,000 to alleviate congestion in this car park through the installation of additional entry and exit barriers, revisions to the road layout and a 30 per cent increase in the number of parking bays. These improvements now allow vehicles to flow much more freely through the area, thus taking less time."

Those with disabilities or those picking up people with disabilities who need more time for drop off and collection are encouraged to contact airport customer service in order to request special assistance.

The airport spokesperson concluded: “Where appropriate, free exit from the pick up and drop off car park will be granted to customers with disabilities in circumstances where the nature of the disability means that the five minute free period is not realistic.”