Drivers have been warned of new restrictions on parking at a major airport in the UK which could lead to fines.
Newcastle City Council revealed that it will impose new restrictions near the international airport to help reduce the number of illegal pickups.
Drivers have been using loophole roads to avoid paying for parking at the airport, but now those routes will see motorists fined for using them.
It comes as parking costs at the airport continue to punish drivers with steep fees of £7 for just 15-minute stays.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Newcastle Airport to crackdown on drivers not paying parking charges
PAThe costs rise to £10 for 30-minute stays and up again to £15 for one-hour parking slots. But as the council looks to clampdown on the number of drivers who are getting away with not paying the fee, new measures have been announced.
Under the proposed plan by the council, they are looking at creating new short-stay parking areas.
The official documents detail: “Newcastle City Council has proposed the Red Route to allow traffic to flow freely and without obstruction and restriction.
“It will reduce the risk of incidents caused by illegal, inconsiderate, and dangerous parking along this busy route. The red route system will also ensure that vehicles can move seamlessly, reducing congestion and the risk of traffic disruptions.”
But the move has been met with heavy criticism by residents in the area with many taking to social media to vent.
One person shared: “Another way to rip people off! We always used airport parking, but now it’s literally half the price to get a taxi, I bet they aren’t as busy as they used to be, it’s pure greed.”
Another person stated that part of this problem is the lack of parking for pickups at the airport.
Meanwhile someone else commented: “The council are part of the problem, as part owners of the airport and in their position a local authority. The road as you leave the airport is dreadful, poorly sign posted and lit.
“So, Newcastle Council, while you are cracking down on bad parking, crack down on yourselves and improve facilities. It gives visitors a very poor first impression of the area.”
Despite the new measures Newcastle International Airport is not the most expensive airport for parking.
It falls behind London Gatwick which charges £6 for 10 minutes, Edinburgh £5 for 10 minutes, Birmingham £5 for 15 minutes and Bristol £6 for 10 minutes.
Notably prices in Glasgow, Leeds Bradford and Aberdeen have also risen, but by 50p since last year.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
London Gatwick charged £6 for just 10 minutes of parking GETTYThe council document added: “Consultation has been undertaken with the airport, they currently offer a free period for pick-ups and drop-offs, situated within the confines of car park 2.
“The airport is currently looking at the feasibility of providing extra parking and facilities at Callerton Lane for taxis and short stay waiting area, although this is not within the control of the council.”