London Airport Introduces New Parking Drop-Off Fee: What Travelers Need to Know

Gatwick Airport has declared an increase in drop-off fees for drivers, potentially making its rates the highest among competitors. London .

The UK's second most bustling airport has suggested increasing the charges for passengers who are dropped off at the terminal. This proposal comes following an instruction to boost the numbers of individuals reaching the facility via public transportation methods. wants to expand .

To reach the final approval stage for using the northern runway, the proportion of people utilizing public transportation must rise to 54%, according to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.

The way to influence passengers to choose trains to the airport will be by increasing the cost of drop-off, Gatwick’s chief executive, Stewart Wingate, told The Telegraph .

What is the cost of parking at Gatwick Airport?

The current fee at Gatwick Airport for dropping off in a 10-minute period using private vehicles or taxis is £6.

For each extra minute beyond the initial period, the cost is £1, with a limit of up to 20 minutes. The highest amount you'll be charged per day is capped at £26, and the longest time one can stay is 30 minutes.

Gatwick Airport has declared that the base fee will rise to £7 starting from May 2.

The most recent hike was dubbed ' daylight theft' and 'an embarrassment.'

One passenger said: ‘What a total rip off, what a disgrace. If you want people to use public transport make sure the trains are running 24 hours.’

Drop-off charges at London airports

Gatwick Airport – The fee will be £7 from May 2. The charge must be paid by midnight the day after parking. Late payment will incur a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

Heathrow Airport - The cost went up to £6 in January for dropping off at the terminals, where you can pay either post-visit or in advance.

Stansted Airport - The drop-off fee is £7 for up to 15 minutes, and any time exceeding 15 minutes will cost £25.

London Luton — Collection and delivery at Luton incurs a fee of £5 for the first five minutes. For each additional minute beyond that, there’s an extra cost of £1, with a limit of 20 minutes allowed. Payment must be made online. Staying more than 20 minutes in the express area will result in a fine.

Luton also features a medium-term parking area within a roughly ten-minute stroll, offering complimentary use for up to 15 minutes.

City of London - Delivering luggage at the terminal is complimentary, however, drivers cannot stay. Individuals with a Blue Badge have the option to park for free for half an hour.

The collection fee is £6.90 for up to 20 minutes, rising to £14.90 for up to 30 minutes.

A visit lasting for 24 hours is priced at £74.90.

Zamir Dreni, the general secretary of the App Drivers & Couriers Union (ADCU), claimed that the increase was merely 'a money-making scheme for the public.'

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He told vtrik ‘While it may look appealing on paper, in reality, where will the public transportation be when I arrive after midnight?'

The rise in fees acts as a 'penalty' for those who do not utilize public transportation, according to him. He also mentioned that taxis could be the sole choice for individuals traveling with baggage and kids.

The most recent occasion when the base fee went up from the prior £5 mark was at the beginning of 2024.

Sally Pavey, who represents the campaign organization CAGNE opposing Gatwick noise pollution and airport enlargement, stated vtrik the increased drop-off charge may force 'additional commuters and travelers towards alternative railway stations that are already struggling to manage their present volume of passengers.'

She went on: "Given the crowded streets, the air quality is bound to worsen. However, I suppose this isn’t Gatwick’s concern; rather, it will become an issue for local authorities and ultimately, the taxpayers, to address."

Gatwick mentioned that their plans to make the northern runway operational permanently, aiming to increase yearly passengers to 75 million, are 'ready for implementation.' However, the Planning Inspectorate has imposed additional conditions beforehand. work can start.

Pavey stated that the airport ought to bear the cost of the impact additional passengers have on local roads, describing them as 'deteriorating due to the diversion of traffic from Gatwick.'

Wingate stated that the 'revised proposal' will tackle 'the concerns outlined by the Secretary of State in her correspondence, such as noise and environmental effects.'

He remarked about the expansion: "This initiative involves an investment of £2.2 billion, entirely financed by our stakeholders, and it is crucial that all planning restrictions allow us to utilize the Northern Runway to its maximum potential."

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