UK. London Gatwick Airport is to introduce a £5 charge for vehicles which drop off passengers directly outside its North Terminal, where all of its flights are currently operating to and from. The airport company said that the new revenue stream will provide “further protection for jobs”, as the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue.
In a further justification for the move, Gatwick said the new charge – which is effective from 8 March 2021 – will help deter a car-led recovery alongside reduction in traffic congestion and emissions at the airport and the surrounding areas.
By encouraging other forms of journey to the airport, Gatwick said the charge will help it continue to meet its commitment to reduce ‘kiss and fly’ – the least sustainable type of journey to the airport as it involves two return car journeys. Gatwick noted that in 2019 around 15% of airport journeys were for this reason.
“Reducing the airport’s environmental impact continues to be an important focus and Gatwick will make a contribution from the revenue into our existing Sustainable Transport Fund,” the airport said.
The new charge – which will be managed using barrier free technology and by automatic number plate recognition cameras – can be paid by touchless electronic means and is set at £5 for 10 minutes, and £1 (US$1.38) for each additional minute up to 20 minutes. The maximum charge will be £25 (US$34.61) and the maximum length of stay 30 mins.
Blue badge holders will be able to access the forecourt free of charge by registering their details up to three months in advance before arriving at the airport.
London Gatwick Chief Commercial Officer Jonathan Pollard said: “It is no secret that the airport is going through the most difficult period in its history and we have little choice but to explore new revenue streams that will us help us recover from the COVID-19 crisis and continue as an important provider of economic prosperity and jobs across the region.
“This new scheme will also encourage passengers to consider more sustainable transport options, including taking advantage of our excellent public transport services. We plan to use this charge to build on these services by using a proportion of the revenue raised to support new sustainable transport initiatives, in addition to our ongoing project to build a new £150 million airport train station which is progressing well.”
