A petition on the Parliamentary website has called on the Labour Party government to review and potentially abolish airport terminal drop-off charges across the United Kingdom. The petition demands that the government launch a comprehensive review into UK airport drop-off fees, focusing on giving the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) powers to audit and cap all such charges.
Petition Demands Transparency and Fairness
The petition states: "We want the Government to launch a review into UK airport drop-off fees which looks into giving the CAA powers to audit and cap all airport drop-off fees. The review should look into ways to abolish profit-making from forecourts, a 10-minute free grace period, and preventing cost manipulation."
It highlights that fees at Heathrow have risen to £7 and expresses concern that "cost recovery" claims lack transparency, labeling the charges a "stealth tax" on the public, especially the elderly and disabled.
RAC Supports the Call for Action
Speaking last summer, RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: "The sky really does seem to be the limit when it comes to the amount drivers get charged for making the briefest of stops to let friends or loved ones out to catch a flight. The seemingly annual ritual of many airports hiking the cost of drop-offs is unfortunately continuing unabated."
Dennis acknowledged that airports need to manage limited on-site space but noted that some still offer short-stay free parking, often located far from the terminal. He added: "If a driver wants to help a passenger with mobility issues or a lot of bags get to the terminal, they’ll often end up overstaying the ‘free’ period offered and getting charged."
Concerns Over Barrierless Systems
Dennis also warned of the growing trend of airports replacing on-site payment with barrierless drop-offs that require online or phone payment later. "This is another source of frustration for people who in many cases are just trying to help a family member or friend get to the airport. Anyone who doesn’t notice the change or simply forgets to pay will inevitably be stung with a very unwelcome parking charge notice," he said.
The petition concludes by urging the government to ensure these fees are independently audited and capped to protect the public from monopoly pricing.
