Re-think of drop-off charges at Edinburgh Airport needed - Crockart

13 July 2010

Edinburgh West MP Mike Crockart has slammed today's announcement from BAA that the recently-announced £1 drop-off fee at Edinburgh Airport could be raised further.

While the airport operator says the fee is being implemented to reduce congestion and airport pollution, there are fears that this will be seen as nothing but a quick fix cash generator for BAA to cut costs for its airline operators.

Commenting, Mike Crockart said:

"While the stated goals of reduced congestion and pollution from cars are very worthwhile, I feel that this can be achieved through continued improvements in the public transport access to the airport.

With today's announcement of another possible fee increase in the near future it looks as if this is now just going to be another money generating scheme from BAA.

Having examined the proposals in depth, I am particularly worried about access for disabled and elderly passengers and the six minute limit seems an arbitrary amount of time which will cause huge problems for those with young children.

I call on BAA to reconsider its proposals for drop-off charges. If only Ryanair is supporting this proposal, that should be enough to make them think again."