Liverpool airport to raise drop-off charge to £7

The minimum charge for using Liverpool John Lennon Airport's express drop-off car park is to rise from £6 to £7 on 1 September.

The fee will cover stays of up to 10 minutes and the same charge will continue to apply to black cab drivers using the terminal rank, who typically pass it on to passengers as part of their fare.

The airport blamed the additional charge on rising business rates, higher energy charges, National Insurance and minimum wage increases, but maintained a separate car park would remain free for stays of up to 20 minutes.

It said it was aware some black cab drivers might choose not to work at the airport when the increase was introduced, but it did not expect disruption.

The airport said parking revenue was an important source of income which helped offset its increased operating costs.

It said the money also supported investment in "new and improved" passenger facilities as the airport worked with airlines to expand its low-cost route network.

Defending the impact on taxis, the statement noted private hire drivers using the express car park also typically pass the charge on to passengers.

If there are not enough black cabs to meet demand during busy periods, airport staff will help passengers find alternative ways to continue their journeys, it added.

It stated the free drop-off and pick-up car park, for stays of up to 20 minutes, is less than a 10-minute walk from the terminal.

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