Mayor Andy Burnham says £170 Manchester Airport fine issued to private hire driver feels ‘harsh’
- Perry Richardson
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has described a £170 fine handed to a private hire driver at Manchester Airport as “harsh” during his latest BBC Radio Manchester phone-in.
The fine was issued to Neil, a licensed private hire driver who called into the programme to explain that he had unknowingly breached Manchester Airport’s new automatic charging system.
Neil had registered his vehicle and debit card for automatic payment, which is designed to cover drop-off and pick-up fees. However, after upgrading to a new vehicle, he forgot to update his registration details with the airport’s system.
As a result, when he entered the drop-off area, the £5 fee was not automatically deducted. With the payment window closing at midnight the following day, Neil was subsequently fined £100. The initial penalty notice, according to Neil, never reached him. Debt collectors later contacted him demanding a total of £170.
Responding to Neil’s account, Burnham acknowledged the difficulties some drivers have experienced since the airport transitioned to a barrier-free system. He said: “It’s a system I do not control. It feels harsh in some ways, given they know you as an operator.”
Manchester Airport introduced the automatic charging system earlier this year, removing physical barriers in an attempt to improve traffic flow. Motorists using drop-off and pick-up zones must pay £5 or £6.40 respectively, either through pre-registered accounts or by paying online before the next day’s midnight deadline.
Burnham also confirmed that Neil is not alone in facing problems with the new system. “I know there are other complaints about the system,” he said. “I feel we need to work with the Airport so everyone understands the system.”
The mayor’s comments suggest discussions could follow with Manchester Airport to address issues around drop-off fees for taxis and private hire services.
