Belfast City Airport insists £100 fine for drop-offs is due to drivers ignoring signs

Belfast City Airport has warned drivers they face a fine of up to £100 if they drop passengers off or pick people up outside a designated zone.

The airport said it has introduced the fines as a result of vehicles continually halting in “no stop zones”.

The penalty has attracted criticism, after a former DUP special advisor posted about a fine he received on the X social media platform.

Tim Cairns condemned the fine as “underhanded” in the post, in which he said: “As far as I know there is no sign about this.”

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However, the airport said around 60 signs are visible across its site warning of the rules.

Drivers are charged a minimum of £3 for the first 10 minutes for drop-offs or pick-ups in a designated zone, and vehicles that drop off passengers within the airport outside of this zone can be identified through cameras and a fine can be issued.

Vehicles can also avail of 10 minutes’ free parking at the airport’s long-stay car park.

Signs at the airport reading ‘no stopping, picking up or dropping off’ state those who breach the rules will face a £100 fine, and an extra £70 fine for failing to pay the sum within 28 days.

Those who pay within 14 days of the fine being issued can pay a reduced sum of £60.

In a statement, a Belfast City Airport spokesperson said the safety of staff and passengers was “of the utmost importance”.

“Unfortunately, vehicles on site are continuously stopping in ‘no stop zones’ despite clear markings and signage,” they said.

“This presents a real hazard to other motorists and pedestrians, as well as blocking emergency vehicle access. We have therefore introduced penalty notices to protect the safety of pedestrians, motorists and staff on site. This is managed by an external provider.

“Approximately 60 signs are clearly displayed across the site advising motorists that stopping within a ‘no stop zone’ will incur a penalty notice of up to £100 or £60 if paid within 14 days. This information is also available on our website. 10 minutes free parking is still available for all motorists within our Long Stay Car Park just a short walk from the terminal.”