Calls to scrap Glasgow Airport drop-off charge
CALLS for Glasgow Airport to scrap its controversial drop-off charge have been backed by Scottish Labour.
The charge was introduced last week despite backlash from the public and a petition signed by more than 10,000 people.
Drivers dropping passengers off now have to pay £2 for a stay of up to 10 minutes.
The measures were yesterday branded “an accident waiting to happen” by motorists after queues to get into the new purpose built pickup and drop-off point caused major tailbacks on the M8.
Scottish Labour has called for the charges to be abandoned.
Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland and Scottish Labour transport spokesman, said: “The reason for this charge was to tackle congestion around the airport but it seems after this week’s shambles to be having the opposite effect.It is clear this move does not have public support.
“Many of my constit- uents are on low incomes and this just looks like a blatant money making exercise by the airport.
“The only way to get to Glasgow Airport is by road, so people will continue to travel to the airport by car and the airport must know this. I can see how this ‘drop off tax’ will make the airport a lot of money but fail to see this will tackle the congestion issues.
“People drop off friends and family at the airport as an act of kindness but are now going to be charged £2 for the privilege – it’s wrong particularly when there is little alternative.
“Glasgow Airport should immediately abandon this drop off tax which is fleecing its own customers and backing up the motorway at busy times.
“If airport bosses want to introduce a charge they should wait until there are other affordable and convenient ways for people to get to the airport.”
A spokesman for Glasgow Airport said: “The facility has been working well.”