'A real hit for my constituents' - Rebecca Paul MP challenges Gatwick Airport drop-off charges
Rebecca Paul, Member of Parliament for Reigate, has raised serious concerns in Parliament about rising airport drop-off charges, using a Westminster Hall debate to highlight the growing cost burden facing passengers, families and taxi drivers using Gatwick Airport.
Speaking in the debate on 13 January, Rebecca drew comparisons with major European airports, where short-stay “kiss and fly” drop-offs are often free, and contrasted this with the UK’s increasing reliance on airport access charges.
Gatwick Airport, which serves residents across Reigate, Redhill, Banstead and surrounding villages, recently increased its drop-off fee to £10 for 10 minutes – a 43% rise from £7. Rebecca Paul MP warned that this change hits ordinary people hardest, including parents dropping off children, friends helping loved ones travel, and taxi drivers trying to earn a living.
While acknowledging that Gatwick is a privately owned airport and that Blue Badge holders are exempt, Rebecca Paul MP stressed that alternative “free” options such as long-stay car parks with shuttle buses add time, inconvenience and are not always practical, particularly at unsocial hours or for elderly and disabled passengers.
Rebecca also highlighted Gatwick’s explanation that the increase follows rising operating costs, including a more than doubling of its business rates from £40 million to over £80 million per year, and pointed out that Heathrow has also increased its drop-off charges, albeit more modestly.
Speaking after the debate, Rebecca Paul MP said: “Dropping someone off at the airport should be quick and straightforward, not another bill families have to worry about. A £10 charge for a few minutes at Gatwick is a real hit for my constituents, particularly those who don’t have a realistic public transport alternative.
“When Government piles ever more taxes onto businesses, those costs inevitably get passed on to consumers. If Ministers want to see fewer extra charges and less pressure on passengers, they need to look seriously at the impact of decisions like the business rates hike and give British businesses room to breathe.”
Rebecca Paul MP said she will continue to press both the Government and airport operators to consider the impact of these charges on local residents and to ensure that airport access remains fair, proportionate and practical for everyone who relies on it.