Manchester Airport is set to introduce a new barrierless charging system for drivers dropping off and picking up passengers, aiming to streamline the process and improve traffic flow. The changes will take effect in late March 2025, with vehicles monitored by an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system.
Under the new system, drivers will no longer need to stop at barriers to pay when exiting the drop-off or pick-up areas. Instead, cameras will automatically identify vehicle registration numbers, and charges must be paid online or over the phone by midnight the following day. The airport has confirmed that while the payment process is changing, the existing charges will remain the same.
Airport officials believe the removal of barriers will enhance the experience for both drivers and passengers by reducing congestion and allowing for a smoother flow of traffic. Sue West, Manchester Airport’s Landside Operations Director, said: “Here at Manchester Airport, we’re always looking for ways to make our passengers’ lives easier. By removing barriers in our drop-off and pick-up zones, it will speed up the process and make it feel seamless.”
The new system will be rolled out in phases across the airport’s drop-off and pick-up areas during the final weeks of March and early April. The exact dates for implementation will be announced in the coming weeks.
For frequent users, including taxi drivers, the airport will introduce an auto-pay system, allowing them to register their vehicles for automatic payments. More details on this feature will be released soon. Signage will be placed around the airport forecourts to inform drivers of the changes and ensure they are aware of the new payment method.
However, motorists who do not frequently use Manchester Airport and are unfamiliar with the system should take extra care to remember to pay their charges. Failure to do so could result in significant fines. Similar systems are already in place at other UK airports, with reports of drivers being fined up to £100 for forgetting to pay the toll on time.
While the changes are expected to improve efficiency, opinions may be divided. For regular users, the new system could make drop-offs and pick-ups faster, but for those unfamiliar with the process, the risk of fines could be a concern. Manchester Airport urges all drivers to familiarise themselves with the new process ahead of its implementation to avoid any unexpected charges.
