logo
Huge blow to Brit drivers as more than half of Britain's busiest airports hike ‘kiss & fly' parking fees

Huge blow to Brit drivers as more than half of Britain's busiest airports hike ‘kiss & fly' parking fees

The Sun17-07-2025
UK MOTORISTS are being slapped with price increases as more than half of Britain's busiest airports have hiked their kiss-and-fly parking fees.
Out of the 20 most popular airport, 11 have upped their drop-off prices since last summer, according to car service agency RAC.
4
4
4
4
The worst offenders now charge as much as £7 for a stop that could last less than ten minutes.
These hefty drop-off charges are found at Gatwick airport, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Southampton and Stansted, which handle millions of passengers every day.
Rod Dennis from the RAC blasted the charges, saying: '£7 for a stop that could be no more than 10 minutes does seem a little steep.
"And the fact that these costs keep going up year after year is going to be a huge source of frustration for anyone dropping off a friend or loved one this summer.'
Pulling up and waving someone off could cost you £7, but some airports, including Luton or Manchester, charge a fiver for five minutes.
Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Liverpool have also all bumped up their kiss-and-fly rates by £1.
Cardiff Airport was previously free but has now slapped a £3 fee for 10 minutes on drop-offs for the first time.
The RAC branded the move a "cash grab", with experts saying UK airports are 'taking advantage' of drivers who have little choice but to cough up.
In other airports in Europe, nine of the ten busiest airports don't charge a penny for drop-offs.
Airports like Frankfurt and Paris Charles de Gaulle allow you to drop loved ones off for free while only Amsterdam Schiphol only charges £2.17.
Travel chaos as TWO flights have mid-air emergencies within A MINUTE at major UK airport
Some UK airports claim there are free park-and-ride options further away but many argue it's unrealistic for many passengers.
Holidaymakers with lots of luggage or mobility issues may struggle using drop-off spots further away.
Karen Dee from Airports UK tried to defend the charges, saying they help reduce 'congestion, noise, carbon emissions and air pollution' and that they're 'mandated' by local authorities.
She also argued the money supports 'a wide variety of flights'.
But many stunned drivers are taking to social media to express their disbelief.
One wrote: 'I collected my daughter's friend at Luton airport, dropped her off on their holiday at Stansted, collected them back at Stansted and finally back to Luton - £24 in total for about 20 minutes."
Another fumed: "It's daylight robbery, you're penalised for doing a good deed."
Gatwick said the charge helps cut congestion and funds green transport projects.
Blue Badge holders are still exempt at Gatwick, Belfast and Southampton, but many feel the rising costs are simply punishing people for saying goodbye.
Southampton insisted fees were reinvested into the airport to secure 'new routes for the region'.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How the ABC bungled a $4billion payday - as Aussie show among the biggest in the world makes major move
How the ABC bungled a $4billion payday - as Aussie show among the biggest in the world makes major move

Daily Mail​

time26 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

How the ABC bungled a $4billion payday - as Aussie show among the biggest in the world makes major move

The ABC has been left red-faced after the UK channel that airs Bluey announced it is set to make even more money off one of Australia's most successful cultural exports. This week, the BBC revealed plans to transform Bluey into a full-fledged lifestyle brand, marking another major commercial leap for the animated juggernaut. Alongside the expansion of its already booming merchandise empire, a Bluey feature film is now in the works, set to be released in 2027 and distributed globally by Disney. In just 2024 alone, Bluey was the driving force behind a bumper $4billion in commercial profits for BBC Studios through global licensing, product deals, and themed experiences. That staggering haul is more than four times the annual budget of the ABC, which is funded by the federal government and Australian taxpayers. The ABC was among the original co-commissioners of Bluey, which first aired in 2018, but failed to secure any significant merchandising deals. Despite being developed and produced in Brisbane by Ludo Studio, most of the benefits of show's commercial success has flowed offshore. Since its debut, Bluey has become a global sensation, celebrated for its heartwarming storytelling, gentle humour, and uniquely Australian character. Bluey-branded merchandise ranges from plush toys and puzzles to camping gear, clothing, and even nappies. In 2024, a large-scale Bluey-themed attraction, Bluey's World, opened in Brisbane, and was recently named one of Time Magazine's 'World's Greatest Places' for 2025. In the same year, Bluey was the number one most viewed show in the United States, recording more than 55billion minutes of viewing time on Disney+. 'From a retail sales standpoint, we are generating about £2.7bn in global retail sales across our entire portfolio and Bluey is a really, really big chunk of that,' Suzy Raia, who heads global consumer products at BBC Studios, told The Guardian. Yet despite its deep Australian roots, the ABC has reaped little financial reward from Bluey's explosive global success. As reported by The Courier-Mail in February, the ABC made no attempt to secure merchandising rights during the show's early development. Then-managing director David Anderson was present at the meeting where Bluey was first pitched to the network. 'We don't make money out of Bluey,' Anderson told the ABC in 2023. 'What Bluey does is provide joy to children and families all over the country and now all over the world. And that would be priceless.' In 2024, ABC Chair Kim Williams addressed the Australian Press Club, warning of declining public funding for the broadcaster and calling for greater government support. Just a few months later in June, the ABC slashed at least 50 jobs in a round of budget cuts, under the new leadership of Managing Director Hugh Marks. Among the casualties was the long-running current affairs program Q&A, once a flagship forum for national political and cultural debate. In an email sent to ABC staff, Marks justified the changes were part of the ABC stepping back from 'areas that no longer align with our priorities'.

Brits stuck in huge queues as summer holiday getaway chaos ramps up with 14MILLION hitting roads in ‘midweek mayhem'
Brits stuck in huge queues as summer holiday getaway chaos ramps up with 14MILLION hitting roads in ‘midweek mayhem'

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Scottish Sun

Brits stuck in huge queues as summer holiday getaway chaos ramps up with 14MILLION hitting roads in ‘midweek mayhem'

A popular port is anticipated to see 40,000 cars this weekend TRAVEL HELL Brits stuck in huge queues as summer holiday getaway chaos ramps up with 14MILLION hitting roads in 'midweek mayhem' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS heading on their midweek holidays have been met with huge queues and delayed traffic. Around 14 million holidaymakers have been caught in the traffic as they head on a midweek trip. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 An estimated 13.9 million motorists are set to hit the road for a midweek break Credit: PA 6 Around two million drivers are due to start their holiday between Monday and Thursday Credit: PA 6 Traffic at the Port of Dover is causing delays of around an hour for motorists Credit: PA 6 The Port of Dover could see 270,000 vehicles over the next six weeks Credit: PA With 13.9 million drivers expected to go on holiday between Monday 21st and Thursday 24th, a new peak has been set for the highest number of midweek car trips since records began. RAC statistics suggest that 2.3 million trips were made on Monday, with a further 2m every day from Tuesday to Thursday this week, as well as an additional 5.6 million journeys likely throughout this period. This increase is largely a result of most schools breaking up for the summer on Tuesday. As the week progresses, traffic is likely to worsen, with the 'end of summer term' getaway weekend predicted to be busy. An estimated 2.7 million journeys are predicted to take place on July 25 - as it is branded "Frantic Friday". The following day, the insurance company believes the "Saturday scramble" will see the largest number of trips in a single day at 3 million. Across the weekend, an estimated 26.9 million motorists are set to head off on their holidays. Drivers have been warned that increased traffic could cause delays on several major motorways. Sections of the M40 could see delays of up to 40 minutes, while the M1 Northbound and M4 westbound could see delays of 50 minutes at some junctions. Motorists waiting to cross the Port of Dover have been left at a standstill today. Europe Faces Record Flight Delays: Your Rights and What To Do Both freight lorries and holidaymakers are trying to cross the channel. Vehicles are moving very slowly through Dover from the A20, down Jubilee Way towards the port in Kent. A spokesperson said that motorists should anticipate delays of around an hour. There is a traffic control system in place, in addition to traffic wardens. One of the wardens told an eyewitness that they had received a lot of verbal abuse from drivers earlier today. Doug Bannister, chief executive at the Port of Dover said his organisation has been "preparing for a busy summer" and has brought in measures to "minimise disruption". He said: "We know how vital it is to keep things moving, not just for holidaymakers but for our local community too. "That's why we've boosted staff levels, strengthened traffic management, added welfare facilities and introduced AI-powered forecasting - all to minimise disruption and ensure both residents and travellers have the best possible experience during this busy season." The Port of Dover said they were expecting nearly 40,000 cars this weekend, and more than 270,000 over the next six weeks. To avoid bad traffic drivers are advised to leave as early or as late as possible to avoid midday queues. RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: "We typically see a peak on 'Frantic Friday' when holidaymakers share the roads with commuters heading home, but our figures indicate these trips will now be spread across several days with millions more weekday journeys planned. "To avoid the worst of the traffic, travel outside peak times and steer well clear of morning and evening rush hours." Drivers are also reminded to check their oil and coolant levels, as well as their tyres, before setting off. 6 Earlier today delays caused a backlog of traffic on the A20 outside Dover Credit: PA

Everyone who is eligible for free bus pass in England as Labour confirms major rule change – and those who will miss out
Everyone who is eligible for free bus pass in England as Labour confirms major rule change – and those who will miss out

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

Everyone who is eligible for free bus pass in England as Labour confirms major rule change – and those who will miss out

DEMANDS for fairer travel passes for England's over-60s have been growing stronger. And as Labour confirms a major rule change - who will miss out? 1 Those eligible for a free bus pass in England Currently, people in England that live outside London, only qualify for free off-peak bus travel once they reach state pension age which is currently 66. But in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, residents enjoy this benefit from the age of 60. In response to a parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that English councils can choose to offer additional local concessions, Such as earlier eligibility for free bus passes — but must fund them themselves reports The Star. Lightwood said: 'The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) costs around £700 million annually. 'Any changes to the statutory obligations… would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme's financial sustainability.' Petition surpasses 101,000 signatures The revelation that councils already have this power has given fresh energy to campaigners. A petition calling for the ENCTS to be expanded nationally to include all over-60s in England — not just those in London — has now surpassed 101,000 signatures. The petition argues the current rules are outdated and unfair. It says: 'As people get older, some over 60s drive less and less. The Selfish Travel Trend Annoying Public Transport Users Everywhere 'We believe we need equality on public transport. "It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.' What does this mean for you? If you're 60 or over and live in a London borough, you can get free travel on the bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services in London with an Oyster photocard. But if you're aged between 60 and 66 in England and don't live in London the answer as to when you'll be eligible for free bus travel, could depend on where you live. While there's no national plan yet to lower the threshold, your local council can introduce an over-60s scheme. It all comes down to public pressure and local campaigning. With confirmed government backing for local flexibility, some councils could act — if residents persist on having their voices heard.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store