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A disability charity is calling for all UK airports to cease charging Blue Badge holders for drop-off access near terminals.
The BBC received numerous inquiries from Blue Badge holders following reports that over half of the UK’s busiest airports had increased their “kiss-and-fly” fees, in some instances reaching as high as £7.
While many airports already provide discounts or waivers for disabled drivers, Blue Badge holders cite complexities and inconsistencies within the system.
Graham Footer, Chief Executive of Disabled Motoring UK, contends that some airports have “allowed greed to cloud their judgement,” asserting that individuals with disabilities should be exempt from these charges altogether.
“Disabled customers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and not fleeced as soon as they arrive,” he stated.
The BBC surveyed the 20 busiest airports in the UK to ascertain their policies regarding drop-off fees for Blue Badge holders.
London City Airport does not impose drop-off fees on any passengers.
Gatwick, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Heathrow, Liverpool John Lennon, and Manchester airports levy a drop-off fee, but Blue Badge holders are exempt.
Luton, Glasgow, Belfast International, Belfast City, East Midlands, Aberdeen, and Southampton airports charge Blue Badge holders the same drop-off fees as other passengers for the closest spaces. However, they also offer alternative free drop-off parking areas specifically designated for Blue Badge holders.
In Glasgow and Aberdeen, the free parking is only applicable when Blue Badge holders are dropped off by family or friends, and not by taxis.
All airports provide free drop-off options situated further from the terminals for all passengers, including “park and ride” facilities with shuttle services to the airport.
Bristol, Leeds Bradford, and Bournemouth airports charge Blue Badge holders for drop-off access but offer extended stay durations at reduced rates compared to other passengers.
Bristol charges £7 for 40 minutes, Leeds Bradford charges £7 for 60 minutes, and Bournemouth charges £5 for four hours, citing the potential need for “more time” for disabled passengers.
Only Cardiff, Newcastle, and Stansted airports apply the standard fee without any discounts.
Cardiff charges £3 for 10 minutes, Newcastle charges £5 for 10 minutes, and Stansted charges £7 for 15 minutes.
Airports UK, the industry representative body, stated that the optimal accessible drop-off solution for Blue Badge holders is contingent upon the individual airport’s layout.
“No one option is ideal at all airports, so to optimise access at each airport the offer will necessarily be different,” the organization noted.
Passengers are advised to consult the airport’s website prior to traveling to identify the most suitable drop-off location.
Most airports that waive drop-off fees require Blue Badge holders to present their badge on the day of travel.
However, at Heathrow and Liverpool, the exemption must be claimed online or by phone either before or after the journey. Heathrow acknowledges that its online Blue Badge confirmation process can take up to five days, although they informed the BBC that it typically takes 48 hours.
James Williams, 67, from London, reports difficulties using these services.
“I am a blue badge holder and I have to pay because I am not computer literate,” he says, arguing that “you have to jump through hoops to get this discount”.
Jonathan Cassar, 51, also from London, notes that the complexities of online registration mean that “disabled people who need to be dropped at terminal cannot be spontaneous as others can”.
Heathrow asserts that it has endeavored to make the Blue Badge registration process “as simple as possible” and advises individuals requiring urgent registration to seek approval by phone.
Liverpool stated that its online confirmation system was introduced “to minimise abuse of the blue badge system”.
However, not all Blue Badge holders believe that being charged for airport drop-off is inherently unfair.
Gordon Richardson, Chair of the British Polio Fellowship Board and a Blue Badge holder, states that he is “not against the principle” of disabled individuals paying the same fees as non-disabled individuals.
He emphasizes the paramount importance of accessible and user-friendly spaces.
He encourages Blue Badge holders to contact airports in advance of travel to ensure that staff are prepared to provide assistance and that they receive the appropriate discounts or free parking.
Many of the airports contacted by the BBC stated that their Blue Badge policies were developed in consultation with disability groups and with specific consideration for their needs.
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