Government wants airport drop-off charges to spread

The government is particularly concerned about air quality around airports, which is affected much more heavily by motorists using their cars than by emissions from aircraft

The government is concerned about air quality around airports, which is affected much more heavily by motorists using their cars than by emissions from aircraft (Corbis)

One of the least-popular aspects of Britain’s airports - charging motorists for dropping off passengers - is set to spread. The aviation minister, Robert Goodwill, has come down in favour of the measure to “nudge behavioural change” and persuade people to use public transport to reach the airport.

Mr Goodwill told the Transport Select Committee: “A number of airports, including Leeds Bradford, have a £2 or £3 drop-off fee. That not only raises revenue for the airport and helps the airport with the cost of security—drop-offs are a particular security issue—but also makes a little additional argument for using public transport to get to an airport.”

Other airports imposing a drop-off fee include Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Luton and Newcastle. Glasgow airport imposes a £1.50 pick-up charge.

The minister’s remarks drew a fierce response from travellers. Roy Farrant from Wiltshire tweeted: “Stupid proposal. How do you propose I get two adults and two children from rural Wiltshire to drop off at Heathrow?”

Mr Goodwill said: “We are very keen for people to move from the car to public transport. If we provide reliable, clean and cost-effective public transport solutions, whether that be bus or train, people will take that option.”

The government is particularly concerned about air quality around airports, which is affected much more heavily by motorists using their cars than by emissions from aircraft.

The minister also called on Britain’s biggest airport to give arriving passengers a full picture of onward transport links to London. He told MPs: “If you arrive at Heathrow it is not made quite clear to you that you could get a National Express coach or an underground ticket. They are very keen to sell you tickets on the Heathrow Express. Part of choice is having good information on which to base it.”