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The government has released a statement concerning drop-off and pick-up charges at Manchester Airport. Following the removal of barriers at Manchester Airport, motorists must now pay £5 remotely to drop off or collect passengers, rather than paying at a barrier. Failure to pay by midnight the following day results in a £100 fine, which is reduced to £60 if settled within 14 days. Research from the RAC earlier this year ranked Manchester Airport amongst the UK's most expensive airports on a 'cost-per-minute' basis, alongside London Luton. Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, has called for a comprehensive review of signage and the appeals process for those who receive fines, reports the Manchester Evening News . In his letter, Mr McMahon called for a "full review" of signage approaching the airport, at the terminals, and immediately on arrival, an end to the practice of "stacking up charges" and a review of the appeals process given that unsuccessful appeals increase penalties further. However, Manchester Airport says that charges for parking or drop off products cannot "stack up". The airport clarified that if a driver has paid for a parking space but accidentally drives into a drop off area, they are not eligible for a drop-off charge. Responding to the RAC's research, a spokesperson for Manchester Airport said its 10-minute drop-off rate compares "very favourably" to other airports. "We know most drivers spend less than five minutes in our drop off areas and that's why we offer the option of paying for just five minutes," the spokesperson said. "The RAC's research takes this rate and compares it to airports that charge for a minimum stay of 10 minutes or more. If the RAC had taken our 10 minute rate - £6.40 - it would compare very favourably to many other similar sized airports' 10-minute rates," they added. Now, the topic has been raised again by Labour MP Andrew Cooper, and a response has been issued by the Department for Transport (DfT). In a written Parliamentary question, Mr Cooper, the MP for Mid Cheshire, asked the transport secretary whether she "has had discussions with Manchester Airport on the level of that airport's (a) drop-off and (b) pick-up charges". Keir Mather, who is the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, replied: "Most airports in the UK are managed and operated as private businesses, and the provision and charging of car parking at airports (including drop-off and pick-up charges) is a matter for the airport operator as a commercial business to manage and justify." The Selby MP continued: "However, DfT expects car parking at airports, such as Manchester, to be managed appropriately and consumers treated fairly." Earlier this year, a Manchester Airport spokesperson said: "Drop-off and pick-up charges help us to manage demand for access to our forecourts, where space is limited, and reduce traffic congestion around the site. "It means that the areas remain efficient even at busy times because people are not staying there for extended periods. This means people can feel assured that if they wish to use our pick-up or drop-off facilities they will be able to do so quickly and effectively. "There are clear signs in and around the drop-off and pick-up areas that remind people to pay online or over the phone by midnight the day after their visit. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
