Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Airport Parking Charges

02 November 2022 · 1 other contributor · 3,919 words

Opened by Bill Wiggin Con North Herefordshire

Responding minister: Huw Merriman

TransportEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bill Wiggin raised concerns about airport parking charges in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Drivers are being forced to pay high fees for airport drop-off and collection services at major UK airports.
  • Airports are not clearly signposting free options and are charging up to 25 for brief use of drop-off zones.
  • Passengers with mobility issues are particularly affected by these high charges and lack of clear guidance.

Key requests to Government

Airports must be required by the Government to offer drivers a free and safe place for drop-off and collection that is clearly signposted on approach roads. The Parking (Code of Practice) Act should bring greater clarity and consistency to airport parking charges to regulate the industry properly for both airports and motorists.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Bill Wiggin Con North Herefordshire

Drivers are being forced to pay extortionate amounts for drop-off or collection at airports, with two-thirds of the UK's busiest airports increasing their prices. Airports are exploiting regulations by not clearly signposting free options, and charging £5 for entry to the drop-off zone by terminals like Heathrow and Gatwick. Stansted charges up to £25 for more than 15 minutes in drop-off zones, which is excessive given flight delays averaging 25 minutes per flight. With no clear signage or alternatives, passengers with mobility issues struggle and are forced to park far away from the terminal, adding stress and time constraints.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jonathan Lord Con Woking

    Congratulates the hon. Friend on securing the debate and highlights concerns about the removal of free drop-off parking at airports near Woking, citing support for aviation industry during covid times. Disappointed in the Minister's remarks regarding airports' sustainability measures, questioning the practicality and fairness of long-stay car park policies for families with elderly or disabled individuals. Also raised concerns about the financial motives behind such policies rather than environmental ones.

Government Response

Huw Merriman

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Stringer. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for North Herefordshire (Sir Bill Wiggin) on securing the debate on airport parking charges and delivering his asks with his usual robust purposefulness. The Minister recognises that it can be frustrating when previously free services become charged, particularly in the context of sustainability measures such as reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Drop-off and parking arrangements at most airports are subject to contractual agreements between airport operators and car park companies, covered by consumer laws. While charges for drop-off zones may discourage driving and encourage public transport use, they can be frustrating for drivers with limited alternatives due to mobility issues or lack of public transport options. The Minister encourages clear signage and information on parking choices on airports' websites and at the airport itself. Drop-off charges are not a tax but a commercial decision by airport operators and are managed under existing regulations and trade association guidelines. On disruption, motorists may incur additional costs through no fault of their own during delays or industrial action; however, some short-stay car parks offer lower rates than drop-off zones for the same duration. The Minister acknowledges concerns about limited rail links at airports such as Bristol, which rely heavily on car travel. He supports improving regulation and consultation with industry to reissue the parking code of practice.

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