'Kiss and drop' levy to go ahead at Luton Airport
June 19, 2009Drivers dropping off family and friends at Luton Airport (LTN) will be charged £1 in a controversial new "kiss and drop" fee.
Although the airport had scrapped the fee before it had come into operation (as we reported on May 14) the charge will now come into effect next month.
The airport has said that the charge is necessary to improve traffic flow and encourage the use of public transport. LTN has seen a surge in passenger numbers over the past few years. In 2002, seven million travellers used the airport. By 2008, this figure had grown to more than ten million.
From July 1, drivers will be charged £1 for ten minutes for drop-off but vehicles cannot be left unattended at any time.
For its part, Luton Airport says it will widen parking bays and improve public lighting. It will also invest in traffic light equipment to improve the flow of traffic.
Savvy drivers can avoid the charge by using the Mid Term Car Park from where passengers can take a free bus to the terminal. The bus journey takes two minutes and buses depart every ten minutes.
Glyn Jones, Managing Director of London Luton Airport, said: “London Luton Airport remains committed to ensuring all passengers are able to access the terminal in a secure and orderly manner.
"By encouraging use of our mid term car park, which is only a two-minute bus ride from the terminal, and the excellent public transport links to and from the airport we will be better able to manage traffic flows around the terminal."
For more information, visit Luton Airport's website (www.london-luton.co.uk).
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