Fury as Luton profits on snow affected travellers

Tuesday, 12th January 2010

London's Luton Airport is under fire for its parking policies following reports it profited from snow disruptions which caused chaos across the UK last week.

Businessman Richard Busby said he was charged £65 extra for leaving his car in the short-term car park at the airport when his flight to Edinburgh was cancelled.

He said he had already paid for the parking when he left his car in the car park.

His flight back from Edinburgh was among many which were cancelled after icy Siberian weather took hold of the UK last week, causing travel chaos for thousands of commuters.

Following his return to London on an overnight train, he was unable to get to the airport to pick up his car because of the poor weather, citing advice from the Met Office not to travel unless necessary. However when he reached Luton, he was told by the airport's parking provider, APCOA, that he had to pay £65 for the extra two days in the short-term car park.

He said that APCOA would show him their regulations when he requested them, and should not have had to pay more. He also claimed that there were other people in the same situation as him.

APCOA did not respond to inquiries, but a spokeswoman for the airport said that Mr Busby and others could claim for a refund.

She said that all parking customers who experienced delays or flight cancellations were automatically given a free 24-hour extension of their parking. Anyone who overstayed the grace period would be offered a voucher or a refund upon providing proof of cancellation.

The airport has previously come under strong criticism for charging drivers £1 for dropping off passengers, even if they do not park their car.

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