Big changes are on the way for drivers at Manchester Airport, as it's making the move to go barrier-free for vehicle drop-offs and pickups. In the hope of slashing congestion and bettering traffic flow, a report from Manchester Evening News yesterday shared details on the upcoming system switch-up, earmarked for the end of March 2025. Waving goodbye to barriers, the seamless exit will see vehicles' details automatically recorded using number plate recognition technology, with charges payable online or by phone up until the next day's midnight. In a piece of good news, current fees aren't going to be raised.
Taxi firms and regular airport visitors can breathe easier too, thanks to optional auto-pay accounts that promise to keep things ticking over smoothly. Handy signs will pop up to show drivers the ropes once the gears shift into place. Much like deja-vu for anyone au fait with certain bridges, tunnels, or other airports across the UK, this fancy tech isn't completely new - but does it make the grade at Manchester?.
Folks have been having their say about the changes through a live poll. The latest tally shows just 34% gave it the thumbs up, versus a hefty 64% who were not impressed by the change, reports the Manchester Evening News. Manchester Airport's Landside Ops boss, Sue West explained why the change had been made. "Here at Manchester Airport we're always looking for ways to make our passengers' lives easier. By removing barriers in our drop-off and pick-up zones it will speed up the process and make it feel seamless," she said.
The airport has announced that a barrierless system will be rolled out in the drop-off and pick-up zones in phases during the last weeks of March and early April, with specific dates to be confirmed soon. The new parking measures have sparked a flurry of comments on Facebook, where members of the public argue that the new system will rake in extra cash for the airport through fines. .
Mehran Khan pointed out: "Extra money will be coming in with fines £££. The system is designed to squeeze more money out of drivers.". Jimmy Devlin echoed this sentiment, saying: "Do they think drivers are stupid. The only reason they are doing this is to raise extra money due to drivers forgetting to pay by midnight the next day so therefore getting a penalty notice for a £60/£70 fine.".
Keith Jackson questioned the consequences of forgetfulness: "And what happens if you forget to pay - the fee doubles and doubles like the Runcorn bridge charges. Is putting the charges up and changing the tariffs from 30 mins to 15 mins not going to make enough money! ! ? ? " Anton Williams shared his frustration: "Honestly it's a joke... I was charged £5 last month I only dropped my sister in law off I was in the drop off for more than 2 mins.".
Steve Bell criticized the supposed traffic reduction strategy: "They allegedly introduced these charges to REDUCE traffic entering the airport. Now they're making it easier for traffic to flow through, all be it for a fee. Getting as many cars through as possible equals more money.".
