The airport has said it is extending the barrierless parking system to ensure that drivers don’t have to wait in queues and pay more for parking
Manchester Evening News readers have spoken out after Manchester Airport announced that it will be introducing a new barrierless parking system to the T2 West Multi-Storey car park – now signposted as P3 – next month. Under the new system drivers will no longer need to pay upon exit as their vehicle will be recognised automatically when they leave.
Drivers will need to pay for their parking by midnight the day after they leave the car park. This can be done either online, by phone or automatically using an Auto Pay account which they can pre-register for.
The barrierless system will be introduced at T2 West Multi-Storey car park on Wednesday March 25, coming into force from one minute past midnight. The airport explained that the system has been introduced as traffic levels at the T2 West Multi-Storey car park have increased since most airlines moved over to Terminal 2 last year.
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By introducing the new system and removing barriers, queues are less likely to build up so people can enter and exit more quickly – and it means they won’t be bumped up to a higher pricing tier.
A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “We’re introducing a new barrierless parking system at T2 West Multi-Storey car park to make people’s journeys quicker and easier. At the moment there are often queues to exit the car park, which can cause people to stay for longer than they intended and pay more as a result. With no barriers on entry or exit, there will be no need to stop, queue, or use an on-site pay station.
“People will simply drive in and out as normal – vehicles will be recognised automatically. Drivers can then pay for their parking after their visit online, by phone, or automatically using an Auto Pay account. This will save them time and money.
“Barrierless parking is already widely used across Greater Manchester and beyond and many drivers may already be familiar with it. Clear signage and signs and step-by-step guidance will be in place throughout the car park to help drivers use the new system with confidence.”
The system is already in place at various locations across the airport including the Terminal 2 Upper Forecourt Drop Off, Terminal 2 Express Pick Up, Terminal 1 Drop off and Terminal 3 Drop Off. When the system was rolled out in the drop-off and pick-up areas it did prove controversial as many drivers faced fines for failing to pay their parking fees as there were no physical barriers prompting payment. However, it’s worth pointing out that Manchester Airport’s base rate of a £5 drop-off is cheaper than any comparable airport in the UK, while the base pick-up charge is cheaper than most at £6.40 for up to 30mins – in comparison its £10 for 20 minutes at Liverpool Airport.
The airport has emphasised that there is signage in place reminding passengers of the system, and that drivers can pre-register to make payments automatically. According to the airport the system will ultimately save motorists time and money.
Drivers who fail to pay by midnight the following day are warned that a £100.00 Parking Charge Notice will be issued, which will be reduced to £60.00 if paid within 14 days or the total outstanding parking tariff if higher than the reduced parking charge amount.
According to the airport’s website, ‘turn up and park’ prices for the T2 Multi Storey West car park start from £6.40 for 15 minutes, increasing to £31.80 for up to four hours, and £61.40 for 24 hours and each subsequent 24 hours thereafter (or part thereof). The airport does say that there are no plans to increase the tariffs at T2 West Multi Storey.
‘If you can see IKEA you can see the signs’
Following the publication of our article, Manchester Evening News readers shared their thoughts on our Facebook page. The news has divided readers as some point out that the system is clearly explained and there are alternatives available, while others fear that it would be easy to miss making a payment.
One reader, Ray Scott, pointed out that drivers could slip up. He wrote: “Be aware people, they are just waiting for you to make a mistake.” Another Facebook user, Farid Rana commented: “It’s £100 if you forget to pay in time…..thats what they are working on.”
Another Facebook user, Joseph John, said that he chooses to fly from Liverpool Airport instead. He wrote: “Despite living five minutes away from Manchester airport I travel from Liverpool wherever possible as I just cannot bear this airport.
“The “rationale” for this change, easing congestion traffic etc caused by the barriers is marginally believable. However when you then realise the absurdly short payment period and the size of the fine it’s clear what the real goal is here, which is the usual goal of Manchester airport – to shaft and rip off their customers.”
Liverpool Airport does not currently have a barrierless system in place. It’s worth noting that Manchester Airport is introducing the system to ensure that motorists are paying less than they need to by removing the need to wait at the barriers.
However, several readers pointed out that the system is easy to follow and is clearly signposted. Eve Megan McGuire commented: “The signs are massive and bright yellow. If you can see IKEA you can see the signs.”
Others pointed out that there are alternative options. Sue Johnson commented: “Use free drop area simples then no fines.” Imran Khurshid wrote: “Just go by tram.”