Airport scrapping free parking at terminal

NEWCASTLE

- OWEN YOUNGER

A map shows where the Short Stay 2 car park is located

Airport has scrapped its free parking to drop-off and pickup passengers from outside the terminal.The North East's biggest airport currently operates a 15-minute free drop-off period in its Short Stay 2 car park - estimated to be a two to fourminute walk for travellers.

However, this is set to be axed from January 6 in favour of a new complimentary shuttle bus service from Callerton Parkway. The service will initially run every 30 minutes and transport passengers between the waiting zone, next to Callerton Metro station, and the terminal front entrance.

It means that there will be no free option to drop-off family and friends directly at the airport. Passengers will be able to be dropped off in the Express Car Park - located directly outside the terminal - for £5 for up to 10 minutes or £10 for up to 30 minutes.

Some local politicians have welcomed the new arrangements, which it is hoped will reduce problem parking in nearby communities. Parking restrictions have been introduced in the last year in both Newcastle and Ponteland to deter cars from parking in streets close to their airport as people pick up relatives.

Alternatively, Short Stay 1 will see drivers charged £9 for up to 15 minutes, while Short Stay 2 sees parking cost £3 for the same timeframe. The new 'Waiting Zone' at Callerton offers free parking for up to 90 minutes for taxis and the public.

Coun Gordon Stewart, cabinet member for public safety at Northumberland County Council, is urging the airport to reconsider its decision to axe the free drop-off parking option onsite.