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Anger over Leeds-Bradford airport's five-minute parking
NEW parking charges at Leeds-Bradford Airport have been branded unfair and impossible.
The airport's drop-off /pick-up zone used to have 10 minutes FREE waiting time, but that has been slashed to five minutes, with enforceable payment after that.
"It simply isn't long enough," said Martyn Johnson, of SJK Private Hire, Yeadon. "It has been manic up there because queues to leave have taken so long that the parking staff have lifted barriers and let everybody go through without charge, to unblock the jams."
After the initial five minutes, a charge of 2.50 must be paid at the ticket barrier for up to 15 minutes waiting time.
There is a no return policy for 30 minutes, so people cannot drive around and avoid paying. They can return, but must pay.
A number plate recognition system is used.
"It is going to be difficult for private hire and taxis, as passengers won't want to pay extra," added Mr Johnson. "But the cost will have to be passed on to someone."
Cab drivers claim the changes are unfair and impossible, due to traffic congestion and people unloading their baggage, plus the needs of disabled and elderly people when catching a flight.
But airport bosses today said they had implemented changes, as part of a 2 million improvement scheme, to make life easier for passengers.
A spokeswoman for Leeds-Bradford International Airport, which has 2.75 million passengers a year, said: "We do allow the five minutes free, but we have to make changes in line with other airports.
"Our aim is to provide quick and easy access to the airport. We hope the changes will make traffic flow easier for everyone."
Manchester Airport does not have any free time for pick-ups and Luton Airport has no free time, with 1 payable on entry.
The spokeswoman added that they offered a taxi card, for an annual fee of 25, which means drivers then paid 50p for up to 15 minutes waiting.
She said that assistance was in place for people with disability or special needs, accessible by pressing an intercom.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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