Airport parking charges are 'needless tax'
BBCIncreased airport parking charges have been branded a "needless tax" by members of the public.
On 6 May, Newcastle International Airport increased the cost of its express pick-up and drop-off zone from £5 to £6 and its 15-minute short stay service from £3 to £4.
But many of those using the airport have complained about the rise, including Cameron Scott who said his friend came to pick him up from the airport and was charged £6 for nine minutes of parking.
The airport said it faced rising costs and the money generated from its car parks allowed it to invest in its facilities.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Scott said the costs were particularly high considering the short amount of time people park.
"I understand when you're going away for 10-15 days, but when someone picks you up for 15 minutes?"
"I think it's a joke really."
Dylan McKee, 30, from Heaton said the fees felt like a "needless tax" on visitors.
He said it was particularly worse for those travelling to north-east England "during the festive season in the kind of winter conditions that make public transport prohibitive".
Lucas Krajewski, 47, said: "If you're just there for 15 minutes you should be able to go for free."
A Newcastle Airport spokesperson said income from its car parks allowed it to invest in its facilities, attracting "high-quality airlines" and maintaining "vital connectivity" for the region.
"We continue to offer free parking for the public and taxi drivers at the Airport Waiting Zone at Callerton Parkway, next to Callerton Metro station," they said.
"From the site, a free bus service operating every 30 minutes transports passengers between the Waiting Zone and the terminal entrance."
