A MAJOR UK airport is set to make a huge change to its parking rules – and it’s good news for motorists.
The move was given the green light after bosses agreed it would make collecting loved ones from trips abroad far easier.
The barriers on the pick-up and drop-off zones are set to be removed[/caption]
From April 2, Manchester Airport will no longer have barriers at drop-off and pick-up zones.
The work to remove them will start on March 26 in a bid to “improve the overall experience for drivers and passengers”.
The airport said the new system will stop people from activating higher ticket costs if they get caught in queues leaving the zones.
Rather than a machine, there will be automatic number plate recognition put in place to record cars entering the pick-up or drop-off zone.
Drivers will be charged automatically and will have until midnight the following day to pay.
Payments for the parking can be made online or over the phone.
The lack of ticket machines will help to speed up the process of entering and exiting the zones.
The barrierless system will be in place across all three of the airport’s terminals, as well as the train, tram and bus station.
For those flying between March 26 and April 2, the airport has instructed motorists to follow signs on the approach to each zone as the phased approach may affect zones differently.
There will be no change to the existing charges and frequent users, including taxi drivers, will be able to set up an auto-pay account.
The current charge for the drop-off and pick-up zones is £5 for five minutes, which increases to £6.20 for up to 10 minutes.
For anything over 10 minutes, motorists are hit with an “overstay charge” of £25.
The airport website warns customers that a £100 fee will be given for anyone trying to pick up passengers from a drop-off zone.
Passengers with a valid Blue Badge are able to access forecourt areas free of charge for drop-off only.
Those who are collecting family or friends from Terminal 1 will be charged £6.20 for up to 30 minutes.
For Terminal 2 and 3 it is £6.20 for up to 15 minutes and £8 for up to 30 minutes.
The existing charges will remain the same[/caption]
