Motorists caught in 'absurd' airport ANPR charges

Motorists are up in arms after being hit with ‘absurd’ charges from ANPR cameras monitoring controversial airport drop-off zones – with one motorist being fined for merely stopping at a red traffic light.

The Cardiff driver, Dave Fitzheslop was sent photographs of his car at a temporary traffic light en route to the short-stay car park at Bristol airport.

Despite this, its parking contractor has twice refused his appeal and has increased his £100 demand to £170.

He explained he didn’t actually enter the short-stay car park as his wife spotted him while he was waiting at the traffic light and jumped into the car.

Mr Fitzheslop therefore drove to the next roundabout and went back on himself to exit the airport – at no point entering the pick-up zone or the short-stay car park.

A Bristol airport spokesperson told Guardian Money it is standing by the charge.

"Numerous signs, including at the airport entrance and along the roadways, state no stopping, dropping off or picking up. This is in the interest of airport security and customer safety, ensuring pedestrians keep to designated paths and do not walk into the road, which is dangerous.

The airport states that Mr Fitzheslop stopped directly next to one of these signs to pick up his wife, who walked into the road to get into the vehicle. It explains that signage clearly states motorists will be liable for a charge of £100 if they contravene the conditions.

The spokesperson added the airport does have a free waiting, drop-off and collection car park – but this involves a trip on a courtesy bus.

The airport is one of many to impose charges on motorists collecting or dropping off passengers. Most airports use parking companies to "ruthlessly enforce the rules," usually via ANPR cameras.

The Guardian adds that compaints around such setups are soaring from motorists hit with what they say are "overzealous enforcement" of the policy.