FREQUENT visitors to Gatwick Airport who pick up friends or family could benefit from a proposed discount scheme later this year.
Gatwick Airport Limited, the airport's owner, is proposing a residents' scheme whereby drivers could collect people from certain areas of the airport at a reduced cost.
Since last summer, a £3 charge has been in place for anyone dropping off or picking up people from the forecourt.
The proposed scheme is in response to concerns about the high cost for those who need to do so regularly.
The proposal includes providing "express pick-up areas" in short-stay car parks, the ground floor of car park three in the South Terminal and first floor of car park six at the North Terminal.
Drivers would pay in advance: £20 for 50 entries or £80 for 250 visits. However, they would need to be in and out in ten minutes, or pay the standard rate.
To qualify for the scheme people would have to live in one of four postcode areas – RH, GU, TN or BN. The plans have been outlined to the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee (Gatcom).
Gatcom members supported the scheme but many were of the view it fell short in terms of the length of time needed to pick up people in the short-stay car parks, and the cost.
They suggested extended access of 20 minutes and a reduced cost for joining the scheme. The prospect of a similar project for private taxis was also raised.
Gatcom member Ken Trussell supports the scheme but believes it is vital the time window is extended.
He said: "In principle I am in favour because it will help family and friends of cabin crew, regular Gatwick users and those who commute to Gatwick station.
"But I think the detail needs to be reworked. We need to start at 20 minutes – from what I understand it is the standard time at other airports and would be more reasonable."
Jeremy Taylor, chief executive of Gatwick Diamond Business and a fellow Gatcom member, is backing the cost proposed by Gatwick.
He said: "While I agree going from 10 to 20 minutes would offer more flexibility I think the costs set out are reasonable.
"If you take the 50 entries option it will cost 40p a go, and only 32p if you buy 250. I know people recently have been directed into the car park from the forecourt and charged £3 just to pick someone up, so it would be a big drop in price."
When using the express pick-up area, drivers would insert a ticket at the exit, and if they spent less than ten minutes inside, one "use" would be debited from their account. If they stayed longer they would be charged the standard rate.
Gatwick Airport Limited hopes to have the scheme launched by June.
