Busiest UK airports raise kiss-and-fly fees

Ben KingTransport CorrespondentGetty ImagesMore than half of Britain’s busiest airports have raised “kiss-and-fly” charges for automobiles dropping off passengers near terminals, in line with analysis from the RAC.The motoring group discovered 11 out of 20 UK airports had put up costs since final July, with Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford and Southampton becoming a member of Stansted in charging the highest charge of £7 to park for a matter of minutes.In distinction, at 9 of the ten busiest airports within the European Union there are not any drop-off charges.Airports UK, which represents the trade, stated all hubs supply free drop-off choices farther from the terminals, resembling “park and experience” amenities the place individuals can go away their automobile and take a bus to the airport.London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Liverpool all raised their costs by £1 to £6 for between 10 and 20 minutes.The RAC additionally discovered that Cardiff airport had launched a payment for the primary time, asking £3 for 10 minutes.In the meantime, London Luton and Manchester airports are the costliest on a cost-per-minute foundation, the analysis confirmed, with drivers paying £5 to cease for 5 minutes.Rod Dennis, senior coverage officer on the RAC, stated: “Drivers are a captive viewers and that is why we predict airports are so eager on these types of charges. However truthfully, £7 for a cease that may very well be not more than 10 minutes does appear a little bit steep. “And the truth that these prices preserve going up 12 months after 12 months I believe goes to be an enormous supply of frustration for anybody dropping off a pal or beloved one this summer time.”Within the RAC’s survey of European airports, hubs together with Frankfurt and Paris Charles de Gaulle charged nothing. Solely Schipol within the Netherlands requested for €2.50 (£2.17) to kiss-and-fly.Karen Dee, chief government of Airports UK, stated: “The place charges are charged, this helps airports handle and cut back congestion, noise, carbon emissions and air air pollution for native communities, one thing that they’re mandated to do by the Authorities and native authorities.”These prices are part of the airport enterprise mannequin and assist allow the availability of the widest number of flights from the airport.”London Metropolis airport was the one one on the listing which prices no payment. A spokesperson for Gatwick, stated: “The drop off cost helps to restrict the variety of automobiles and reduces congestion on the entrance to our terminals and funds quite a lot of sustainable transport initiatives.”It added that holders of a Blue Badge, which is a parking allow for individuals with disabilities or well being circumstances affecting mobility, stay exempt from the cost.Belfast and Southampton additionally stated Blue Badge holders stay exempt from the charges. On lifting its kiss-and-fly costs, a spokesperson for Southampton, stated: “The entire funds generated by means of our parking facility are reinvested into the airport and play an necessary position in securing new routes for the area.” The BBC has contacted different airports for remark.Get our flagship publication with all of the headlines you might want to begin the day. Join right here.