A man received £200 in parking fines at East Midlands Airport despite having paid for his visits, expressing frustration at the system’s perceived unfairness.
Kevin Smith, aged 68, utilized the airport’s rapid drop-off zone to transport his son for departures and arrivals, paying the £5 fee for both occasions. However, he was surprised to receive penalties totaling £200 due to a rule requiring payment after leaving the drop-off zone, rather than while still inside.
East Midlands Airport operates a barrier-free ANPR camera system, allowing motorists to park directly outside the terminal building. The fee structure includes £5 for up to 15 minutes, with an additional £1 per minute thereafter, up to a maximum of 30 minutes. Payments must be made online or by phone before midnight the next day.
Despite Mr. Smith using the app to pay for both drop-off and pick-up trips, fines of £100 for each visit were imposed, later reduced to £60 if settled promptly. Mr. Smith emphasized that they followed the rules and paid via the app, only to receive fines afterward, which he found unjust.
The penalties were issued because Mr. Smith made the payment while still within the drop-off area, as advised by the app to ensure departure before processing payment. East Midlands Airport stated that they had enhanced signage and layout for better customer guidance.
Parking operator APCOA clarified that customers must exit the drop-off area before making payment, with a payment window until midnight the following day. Mr. Smith’s first fine was canceled, and he awaits a response on the second, asserting his intent to contest it in court if necessary.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by individuals navigating complex parking regulations, prompting calls for clearer and more user-friendly systems to prevent such misunderstandings in the future.
