East Midlands Airport fines driver £200 despite payment

Kevin Smith, a 68‑year‑old driver from Clifton, used East Midlands Airport’s rapid drop‑off zone twice on 30 June – first to drop off his son and later to collect him. He paid the £5 charge for each visit through the airport’s app, staying nine minutes on the outbound trip and six minutes on the return.

Despite the correct payment, Smith received two £100 parking penalties, each reducible to £60 if settled within 14 days. The fines were issued because the payment was made while the vehicle was still inside the drop‑off forecourt, contrary to the airport’s rule that payment must be completed after exiting the area. The system relies on barrier‑free ANPR cameras and requires online or phone payment by midnight the following day.

Smith described the situation as “unfair” and confusing, especially for first‑time visitors or those without smartphones. An East Midlands Airport spokesperson said the layout and signage had been improved and that the app notifies users to ensure they have left the forecourt before paying. The parking operator APCOA confirmed the same payment requirement.