Airport set to charge drop-off fee

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Motorists at Luton Airport will have to pay to spend up to 10 minutes in a refurbished drop-off zone.

The fee, which will come into force some time after April 29, will be enforced with barriers at the exit of the zone.

Luton, like many other airports, already charges £1 for the use of luggage trolleys and the same amount for clear plastic bags to take liquids through security. Travellers can also pay £3 to use a "priority lane" to get through security more quickly.

An airport spokeswoman said drivers who did not wish to use the drop-off zone could leave passengers at the mid-term car park where there is a free shuttle bus to the terminal two minutes drive away.

Airport operator Abertis also runs Cardiff and Belfast airports, sparking fears a similar fee could spread to them.

Nic Horton, Luton's general manager of projects and development, said: "Dropping passengers off can be a stressful experience, we have therefore given careful consideration to providing the right facilities and enough time for people to unload in a secure environment.

"Making a small charge reminds drivers of the 10-minute time allocation and keeps the traffic flowing. By offering a choice of options we can provide an airport experience to suit the needs of all our passengers."

The new zone will have more space for people to unload as well as larger bays for passengers with reduced mobility.

Birmingham Airport charges £1 for 15 minutes for its "drop and go" car park next to the terminals, or £2 for 30 minutes.