Over a thousand sign petition to scrap planned Glasgow Airport drop-off charges

DROP-OFF charges are to be introduced at one of Scotland’s busiest airports as part of plans for a new multi-million pound facility.

Plans have been unveiled for a new dedicated pick-up and drop-off facility which will aim to reduce congestion and and tackle traffic flow outside the main terminal building at Glasgow Airport.

The proposals would see a £2 charge introduced for dropping off travellers for a stay of up to 10 minutes.

The plans have been met with criticism and an online petition opposing the charges has now reached over one thousand signatures.

The campaign on change.org has been live since yesterday afternoon and is full of comments from the public decrying the planned fees.

Airport chiefs have stated that anyone who wishes to use the new combined pick-up and drop-off facility for more than 10 minutes should continue to use the short-stay car park.

The airport says it will continue to offer a free pick-up and drop-off area which will be located in the long-stay car park and there will be no change in the current arrangement for blue-badge holders, who are entitled to 30 minutes free parking in the short-stay area.

Amanda McMillan, managing director at Glasgow Airport, said: “This investment represents one of the most significant upgrades to our road network in over 10 years.

“It has been apparent for some time that our current drop-off area, which suffers from severe congestion on a daily basis, is simply no longer fit for purpose.

“I appreciate that not everyone will be supportive of the new charging structure, however we will always continue to provide a free option.

“We have resisted introducing a drop-off charge despite most airports of our size having similar arrangements in place for many years, however, having exhausted all possible alternatives, we have now reached a point whereby a chargeable facility is the only way to address congestion, discourage non-airport traffic and encourage best use of our road network.”

The current pick-up and drop-off areas will move to the ground floor of the new facility, which will officially open in April.