Chaos on first day of drop-off charge at Belfast airport

Monday, 12th July 2010

Belfast International Airport launched its new £1 charge for dropping off or collecting passengers and the day was greeted with traffic chaos, confusion and anger. Drivers encountered traffic signs they said were confusing and misleading. Some motorists ended up having to pay the £1 fee, not because they were looking to drop-off or collect a passenger, but because they simply could not find their way to the appropriate parking area.

Many drivers, both members of the general public and taxi drivers, simply gave up on the airport’s new ‘system’. Some motorists resorted to meeting friends and family elsewhere. Taxi drivers say the new charge will definitely mean higher fares for customers.

The new regime at Belfast International Airport is being roundly criticized as confusing, poorly-implemented and greedy. The airport made a profit last year of six million pounds. The new system is expected to generate an additional two million pounds. The airport says it needs this revenue to recoup the money it has invested in order to meet new security guidelines implemented following the terror attack at Glasgow Airport.

← East Midlands Airport launching revamped parking
→ Manchester Airport battles parking cheats
↑ July 2010 news index

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