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Major UK airport visited by thousands daily introduces controversial parking policy to fight ‘illegal’ pick-ups
Critics claim that there is not enough free parking on the site
A MAJOR UK airport visited by thousands of people every day has introduced controversial new parking rules to fight "illegal" pick-ups.
Bosses are cracking down on "inconsiderate and dangerous" stops by drivers trying to bypass car park charges.
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Newcastle Airport is one of the busiest travel hubs in the country, as one of just two international terminals serving the North East.
With routes available to countries including France, Spain, the US and even Australia, it is the launching point for around 5 million trips every year.
But the local council has reported issues with drivers picking up and dropping off passengers on surrounding roads, causing congestion and overcrowding.
People looking to avoid paying for airport parking have been known to stop on the nearby B-road as a substitute collection point.
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Now, officials are cracking down on the "dangerous" behaviour by implementing strict new parking regulations.
Under the rules, parking on the affected roads will be banned by turning them into "red routes".
This designation is often used for busy main roads in cities and means that no stopping is allowed within the controlled area.
It is not yet clear whether the ban will be limited to certain hours of the day or if it will be enforced around the clock.
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Critics of the plan have lodged a collection of 14 objections, calling on the airport to "take more responsibility by providing free parking and extending taxi provisions".
Visitors can currently claim 15 minutes of free parking in the Short Stay 2 car park.
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However, this is, according to the airport, a 2-4 minute walk from the terminal.
When you factor in walking time, that leaves between seven and 10 minutes for a driver to meet someone in the terminal before they are charged.
There is also an express pick-up/drop-off zone, at a rate of £4 for 10 minutes or £7 for 30 minutes.
A spokesperson for the airport said: "Following the completion of a public consultation process, Newcastle City Council is introducing additional parking restrictions on some roads immediately adjacent to the Airport and Callerton Parkway.
"These measures are in response to concerns from local residents regarding inappropriate and inconsiderate parking in the area and to improve the safety of such roads.
"The Airport is fully supportive of the scheme."
A report on the plans by the council added: "Newcastle City Council has proposed the red route to allow traffic to flow freely and without obstruction and restriction.
"It will reduce the risk of incidents caused by illegal, inconsiderate, and dangerous parking along this busy route.
"The red route system will also ensure that vehicles can move seamlessly, reducing congestion and the risk of traffic disruptions."
A council spokesperson added: "Additional traffic restrictions on some roads around the airport site have been approved, following a public consultation.
“This includes double red line restrictions to prevent vehicles from stopping on roads just outside the airport site, including in residential areas and on roads close to the runway.
"This is to address a number of safety concerns with illegal, inconsiderate, and dangerous parking along a busy route to the airport, as well as issues raised by residents regarding disturbance caused by vehicles stopping outside their homes to drop off or pick people up, often during the night and early hours and often with engines idling.
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“It is worth noting, there are currently double yellow lines in place in the area, which many people are disregarding, which is why these additional measures are required.
"We are currently co-ordinating the works required for the scheme, and it is expected to be implemented towards the end of the year."
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