A dad was left baffled after receiving two £100 parking fines at a major UK airport, even though he paid for his time there.
Kevin Smith, 68, had used East Midlands Airport’s rapid drop-off area to take his son to catch a flight and later pick him up on his return.
Mr Smith had settled the £5 fee for both visits and was understandably “confused” when penalty notices totalling £200 arrived.
While Mr Smith did pay for his parking, the Nottingham Post understands he inadvertently broke the rules when parking at the site.
The drop-off area operates using a barrier-free ANPR camera system, allowing motorists to park directly outside the airport’s terminal building.
Drivers are charged £5 for up to 15 minutes and an additional £1 for every minute thereafter – capped at a maximum of half an hour.
Cash payments and on-site payment barriers are not available, with settlement required online or by phone by midnight the following day after the airport visit.
View 2 ImagesMr Smith parked at East Midlands Airport(Image: CaronB via Getty Images)
Mr Smith and his son chose to pay via the app for both the drop-off and pick-up, with the former occurring on June 30.
The Clifton resident says he spent nine minutes in the drop-off area during the drop-off and six minutes there for the pick-up, with £5 debited from his account on both occasions.
Despite this, Mr Smith still received £100 fines for both visits, each reduced to £60 if settled within 14 days. Mr Smith told the Nottingham Post: “They took the money on both occasions for the rapid drop-off. We paid on the app, we followed the rules, the money left the account and then they had the cheek to give me £60 fines.
“This isn’t just about me, but about people who might not have a phone or who are just stuck in a bit of a bubble. I think it’s so unfair.
“It was my first time going to East Midlands Airport and it was very confusing. I think they need to make it a lot simpler for people.”
It is understood that Mr Smith received the penalties because he paid for parking while still within the rapid drop-off zone.
A notice on the app alerts customers that they must have exited the forecourt prior to making payment.
An East Midlands Airport spokesperson stated: “We introduced an improved layout and clear signage last year which we’re satisfied provides a better customer experience.”
A spokesperson for parking operator APCOA explained: “Customers are advised on the payment screen that vehicles must have left the drop off area before a payment is made. Customers then have until midnight the following day to pay for their visit.”
Mr Smith’s first penalty has been cancelled and he’s awaiting APCOA’s response regarding the second, but he added: “I will not pay and I will fight it in court if I have to.”
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