AIRPORT AILMENTS
STANSTED AIRPORT TO INTRODUCE BARRIER FREE DROP OFFS WITH ANPR TECHNOLOGY
London Stansted Airport is set to revolutionise its drop-off experi- ence in January with the intro- duction of an ANPR system. This new technology, mirroring the successful implementation at the Dartford Crossing, will allow drivers to seamlessly pass through the Express Set Down (ESD) area without the need to stop and pay at a barrier. This move comes on the heels of a significant £1.1 billion government investment an-
nounced in October, paving the way for an airport extension. “We’ve observed the effectiveness of ANPR systems in settings, from bridges and toll roads to other airports,” said Anita Harrison, Stansted Customer Ops Director. The airport recently announced its capacity ambitions, aiming to accommodate between 48 and 51 million passengers annually by 2040. Ms. Harrison emphasised that the barrierless system will
“significantly reduce wait times and improve passenger flow.” The new system will operate on a pay-by-midnight policy, meaning drivers will have until the following day to settle the drop-off charge. The current charges remain unchanged: £7 for up to 15 minutes and £25 for longer durations. Payment options will include online and phone transactions, plus auto-pay accounts for frequent users, such as taxi drivers.
CRAWLEY COUNCIL SEEKS LEGAL ACTION AGAINST UBER OVER GATWICK AIRPORT BUSINESS
Crawley BC is exploring legal options over Uber drivers operating from Gatwick Airport without the proper local licences. Airport taxi drivers licensed by the council, gathered outside the town hall on 11 December, to voice their frustrations and demand more enforcement of licensing laws. They claim Uber cars registered in London are taking a significant portion of airport business, impacting their livelihoods. Don Barnes, a local driver for Airport Cars and Unite branch secretary, stated that the issue has been ongoing since 2020, with a formal complaint filed with the
council’s licensing team in March. Don said that the current situation is ‘taking the livelihoods’ of local taxi drivers, adding: “The situation is massively impacting me. It’s killing us.” Cabinet member for public pro- tection, Yasmin Khan, confirmed that an investigation was launched in June and is currently underway. The council is now seeking legal advice to determine the approp- riate course of action. While officials claim to have provided updates to Unite, Mr. Barnes refuted this claim. The drivers conducted themselves well during the meeting – even
MANCHESTER AIRPORT - new pick-up charges
• From 17 December 2024 • Up to 15 mins: £6.20 • Up to 30 mins: £8.00 • Up to 45 mins: £9.50 • Up to 1 hour: £12.40 WARNING: £100 charge applied for attempting to pick up passengers in drop-off zone.
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though their mood was not helped by one councillor showing up to the town hall in an Uber. One driver compared the situation at the airport as like “the wild west” and questioned the levels of health and safety being observed. To applause from his colleagues, the driver said: “We’re all being let down – massively let down.” Cllr Khan acknowledged the drivers’ concerns and promised to follow up with the investigating officers. Mr Barnes added that he intended to join other drivers at the next council meeting in January to keep pushing for answers on the issue.
HEATHROW AIRPORT - new drop-off charge
• From 1 January 2025 • Increase from £5 to £6 per visit • Applies to all vehicles entering drop-off areas in front of the terminal buildings
• Applies: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year JANUARY 2025 PHTM
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