AIRPORT CLOSES LOOP
TOWNSVILLE Airport has created a free-parking space to prevent drop-off zone hogs and unwanted laps for motorists when waiting for passengers.
The site is just 900m from the terminal and offers drivers 30 minutes of free parking, complete with access to wi-fi.
Airport general manager commercial Isabelle Yates said the idea was to help ease the stress of pick- ing up and dropping off passengers.
“People are only allowed to stay in the pick-up and drop-off zone for a minute,” she said.
“So if their passenger is late, or picking up their bag, they’ll have to do a loop around the precinct, which takes time and enhances the congestion of the airport.
“People do find that having one minute to stay in an area is not really long enough.
“We’ve listened to the feedback from our guests and developed this new holding parking area to provide a convenient place for them to wait.”
Ms Yates said they recognised the congestion during the busy Christmas period.
The drop-off and pick-up zone is policed by kerbside concierges.
The site, which was an existing carpark, is located off Mustang Court and will be monitored, with drivers asked to remain in their cars.
“We are even providing free wi-fi to make it easier for them to use their phones to track the exact landing time of their passengers,” Ms Yates said.
“Once their plane lands, they can send a quick text message to each other and keep in touch while the passengers make their way through the terminal.”
Margaret Morris, from Mount Louisa, drops her husband off and picks him up every fortnight.
Once, her husband’s plane was delayed and she was forced to drive home as the kerbside concierges were quick to move her on.
“They are not flexible, they are on to you as quick as anything,” she said. “But what can you do? Go home or have somewhere that you can go and wait.
“If you’ve made arrangements to pick someone up you’ve got to wait around and it’s not worth paying to park.”
She praised the initiative and said she would have somewhere to go next time.