02.08.10
Edinburgh Airport's new boss will face a grilling by its consultative committee over the £1 passenger drop-off charge within a week of starting his job, the Scotsman reports. New managing director Kevin Brown, who takes the new role today having previously been in charge at Aberdeen Airport, could see its consultative committee's first-ever vote when he presents plans for the charge to it members next Monday. However, as reported over the weekend, contracts have already been signed to create the new 60 car park space, so it looks likely to be pushed through.
The airport says the new £1 charge, to be introduced in October, will be used to fund a new ‘fast-track’ drop-off zone in the multi-storey car park beside the terminal. This will replace the current adjacent, free drop-off area, but a new free drop-off zone will be created near the Hilton airport hotel, linked to the terminal by a free shuttle bus. The airport hopes the move will reduce car use use and cut congestion around the terminal.
The newspaper reports that several committe members, which include councillors, consumer organiseations and community and travel representatives, are concerned about the charge. Supportive members include the Chamber of Commerce. Airline representatives could also back the charge, with Ryanair known to be in favour.
However, it is our understanding that the committee has no power to block the move. Given that contracts have already been signed, it seems unlikely that Mr Brown will reverse the decision, even though whilst in charge at Aberdeen he decided against its introduction.
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