London airports slammed over 'staggering' cost of drop-off parking

Parking charges: Luton airport charges £7 for 40 minutes in the short stay car park
Rex
Chloe Chaplain11 August 2016

London airports have been criticised for charging “sky high” short stay parking prices as figures reveal they are in the top most expensive in the country.

Motorists dropping off friends and relatives have been warned not to be “stung” by the soaring costs, with some airport car parks charging six times more per minute than it costs to make a phone call abroad.

Luton Airport is the most expensive in the country for pick-ups and drop-offs with short stay parking costing a “staggering” £7 for 40 minutes and £3 for just 10 minutes.

Stansted and Heathrow are also named in the top most costly car parks, alongside Birmingham and Edinburgh, both charging over 10p per minute.

High price: Stansted Airport fines drivers £50 for going over the 10 minute time allowance
Bethany Clarke/Getty Images

The report, published by the RAC, also noted drivers can be hit by penalties for overstaying the minimum time period in drop-off zones, with Stansted Airport fining motorists £50 for exceeding the 10 minute allowance.

Pete Williams, the RAC's head of external affairs, has warned drivers to check parking fees before they set out.

"Motorists need to be aware of the sky-high charges levied by some for parking close to the terminal,” he said.

"Drivers are running the risk of incurring some hefty charges if they drive to a pick-up zone to collect somebody whose flight is delayed, or who has to wait a long time at baggage reclaim.

“The high parking fees at some London airports could perhaps be explained by the fact passengers have more opportunities for getting there by public transport.

"But for those travelling with a lot of luggage – or when public transport fails or just is not practical – taking the car might be the only feasible option, so drivers need to be careful.”

A spokesman for the Airport Operators Association said that airports provide information on parking options and added: "UK airports operate in a highly competitive environment, across all facets of their business.

"Non-aeronautical income, such as income from parking, allows airports to keep charges to airlines low, benefiting travellers through lower airfares and increased connectivity.

"It also supports the record investments airports are making in improved facilities and infrastructure to create the best possible experience for passengers.

"Airports provide information on getting to and from the airport so travellers have a high level of awareness of the different ways they can choose to get to the airport."

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