A campaign calling for free passenger drop-offs at airports across the UK is gathering momentum, with campaigners urging ministers to end charges they say unfairly penalise families, passengers and airport workers.
The petition argues that people should not have to pay simply to briefly drop off a friend or relative before a flight.
The campaign was started by Mugdim Mujakovic, who says: "This feels like daylight robbery."
He adds: "These drop-off charges are exorbitant and unjustified."
Airport drop-off charges have become an increasingly unpopular cost for motorists, with campaigners describing the fees as an unnecessary expense at a time when many households are already watching their spending.
Campaign calls for airport drop-offs to be free
The petition, which can be signed here , is calling on the relevant authorities to remove drop-off charges at airports across the UK.
Campaigners argue that airports should provide a free or very low-cost option for people who only need to stop briefly to let passengers out.
They say the current system can leave families facing charges simply for taking someone to catch a flight.
The campaign states that Heathrow charges £7 for a drop-off lasting more than five minutes, although charges and rules vary between airports.
Campaigners also claim that airport drop-off fees collectively bring in more than £100 million a year across the UK.
'Why should we have to pay?'
The campaign argues that motorists should not have to pay significant fees for what can be a very short stop.
It says: “Why should we have to pay just to stop our vehicle for a minute?”
The petition describes the charges as a burden on ordinary families as well as professional drivers who regularly take passengers to airports.
It argues that the current system effectively makes people pay simply for giving friends or relatives a lift to the airport.
Chauffeurs and taxi drivers affected
The campaign is also aimed at the impact of airport charges on professional drivers.
Chauffeurs, taxi drivers and other private-hire operators can make frequent airport journeys, meaning repeated drop-off fees can quickly add to the cost of doing business.
The petition argues that these costs can ultimately feed into the price passengers pay for airport transfers.
Campaigners want airports to consider alternative approaches used elsewhere, where passenger drop-offs are either free or available at a much lower cost.
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Calls for a fairer system
The campaign is asking the Government and airport authorities to consider a system where passengers can be dropped off without facing a charge for a brief stop.
It argues that airports should focus on making journeys easier for passengers and their families rather than generating revenue from short drop-offs.
The petition says: “Let’s make a change together, where airports serve the people, not the profits.”
Supporters are being urged to sign the campaign calling for free drop-offs at all UK airports.
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