Article from BTNews 21 JANUARY 2019
Bristol plans free drop-off zone
Calls for action from local communities have led Bristol Airport to agree as part of expansion plans to open an on-site waiting area for taxis alongside a free drop-off facility for private vehicles.
The move follows concerns by residents about the volume of cars dropping off or waiting to pick up passengers in nearby roads, lanes and laybys in order to avoid paying parking charges.
The airport’s commitment to make the change is included in its proposals for a Section 106 Agreement which would accompany permission for growth beyond the current passenger cap of 10m a year.
North Somerset Council is currently consulting on a planning application for facilities required to handle 12m passengers a year by the mid-2020s. The consultation ends next Saturday, 26 January.
Airport planning and sustainability director Simon Earles, said: “We have listened to feedback and this commitment to introduce an on-site waiting area for taxis and a free drop-off facility for private vehicles shows we are taking the issues seriously.
“By accommodating waiting taxis on site and providing a free alternative for private vehicles dropping off passengers, we aim to reduce the impact of growth on local villages. Work is under way to find a location.”
OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)
All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum
Ian Hamer, UK
For passengers this is good news, as long as the promised drop off area isn't a very long way from the terminal! It is an example that should be followed by all airports, especially those that are not well served by public transport.
Mark Blackburn, Somerset UK
This is very welcome news. The airport is in a rural area and people deterred by pick-up charges use field entrances and lay-bys, causing a serious traffic hazard where there are no speed limits & twin lanes, in places. Even worse in fog, which is common!
Ian Hamer, UK
For passengers this is good news, as long as the promised drop off area isn't a very long way from the terminal! It is an example that should be followed by all airports, especially those that are not well served by public transport.