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Complaints continue over £1 drop off charge at Edinburgh Airport
2010-07-05 21:06:22Lothians Conservative MSP Gavin Brown is extremely unhappy with the new £1 drop off charge imposed by BAA, the owners of Edinburgh Airport.
He said: "This drop-off tax is ridiculous and an unnecessary charge to airport users. I would be very interested to know what consultation, if any, actually took place with passengers.
"For a lot of people, getting public transport to the airport is not a viable option. I have been contacted by elderly residents and constituents with young children who don't have an alternative to getting to the airport.
"I would urge Edinburgh airport to think seriously about this before implementing it."
Mr Brown said that he would launch a campaign on the issue and promised to raise the matter in the Scottish Parliament.
Gordon Dewar, managing director of Edinburgh airport, defended the charges and said: "We do not agree with Gavin Brown's opposition to us providing better facilities for our passengers and reducing the costs for airlines to add more destinations and flights to the growing portfolio at Edinburgh.
"Every other mode of transport contributes to drop-off close to our terminal and we believe that drivers should be no different.
"As responsible airport managers, we have to make difficult decisions about how best to balance the needs of Edinburgh. We believe that this drop-off facility allows us to provide a better airport for all.
"As an airport, we need to balance providing the best facility for passengers and attracting as many routes as we can to Edinburgh and Scotland.
"In the last year, we have invested approximately £50m in improving our airport. We do this without subsidy or public money whilst remaining commercial and realistic with our airport customers."
The airport operator also said that buses would not be affected by the £1 charge, as there is a designated spot for them along with two taxi firms who pay to use a part of the site.
More complaints are expected. This story was brought to you by edinburghairportparking.org.uk