Belfast City Airport has issued a statement about the rules around drop offs after some drivers were issued with £100 fines for picking up passengers outside the official drop off zone.
It comes after it emerged that the airport is now issuing fines of up to £100 to anyone who stops outside of these zones with cameras also being used to identify vehicle owners.
Currently the airport charges a minimum charge of £3 for the first ten minutes for drop-off or pick-up while the long-stay car park allows you to stay up to 10 minutes for free.
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The issue was highlighted by former DUP Special Advisor Tim Cairns at the weekend after he was issued with a fine as a result of parking at a layby close to the airport.
He took to social media to accuse the airport of “charging you £60 if you drop off on the road outside drop off zone””, adding: “As far as I know there is no sign about this. So they must have a camera but no warning. Fairly underhanded.”
Mr Cairns said a letter informing him of the fine arrived too late for him to avail of the reduced penalty of £60 if paid within 14 days.
In a statement to Belfast Live, an airport spokesperson said: “At Belfast City Airport, the safety and security of our passengers, staff, and site users is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, vehicles on site are continuously stopping in ‘no stop zones’ despite clear markings and signage.
“This presents a real hazard to other motorists and pedestrians, as well as blocking emergency vehicle access. We have therefore introduced penalty notices to protect the safety of pedestrians, motorists and staff on site. This is managed by an external provider.
“Approximately 60 signs are clearly displayed across the site advising motorists that stopping within a ‘no stop zone’ will incur a penalty notice of up to £100 or £60 if paid within 14 days. This information is also available on our website. 10 minutes free parking is still available for all motorists within our Long Stay Car Park just a short walk from the terminal.”
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