No Barriers: Manchester Airport Drop Off Changes
Manchester Airport has removed all exit barriers at its pick-up and drop-off zones. ANPR cameras now log vehicles, and drivers must pay online or by phone by midnight the next day. Charges remain the same. Missed payments result in a £60 fine (rising to £100 after 14 days). Regular users can setup an autopay account.
Manchester Airport has officially removed the barriers at its pick-up and drop-off zones as part of a switch to a new barrierless payment system, which according to Manchester Airport is aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow. Barriers still remain at the official [Manchester Airport parking](https://www.cheapairportparking.co.uk/airport-parking/manchester) locations.
The transition, which was carried out in phases between 26 March and 2 April, means drivers no longer need to stop at exit barriers. Instead, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras now record vehicles as they enter the drop off and pick up zones, and drivers must pay the relevant charge by midnight the following day, either online at pay.manchesterairport.co.uk or by calling 0345 901 3318.
The new system is in place at:
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Pick-up and drop-off zones at Terminals 1, 2, and 3
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The airport’s rail, tram, and bus station
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There has been no change to the existing charges:
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Drop-off: £5 for 5 minutes, £6.20 for 10 minutes, £25 for overstays
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Pick-up: £6.20 to £8.00 for stays up to 30 minutes
Frequent users, including taxi drivers, can set up an auto-pay account for convenience.
Clear signage has been installed to guide drivers through the new process. Those who miss the payment deadline face a £60 penalty, rising to £100 if not paid within 14 days.
A spokesperson for Manchester Airport said the new system is designed to make journeys smoother and reduce delays, bringing the airport in line with other major UK hubs already using ANPR technology.
A couple of weeks ago we took the short taxi journey to Manchester Airport - shortly after the airport went 'sans barriers'.
The fee for the drop off is factored into the pre-paid price with the local taxi firm, Lynx Taxis. Within a couple of minutes of leaving our home, the driver started making comments about there been no barriers and how there is the risk of huge fines - his agitation was obvious, as was his message to us: Be Quick!
The move is being marketed by the airport as a means to making the drop off experience more seamless. However, a cynic might wonder whether it’s a calculated bet that many people will forget to pay by midnight the following day, resulting in being whacked with a £60 fine.
In fairness to the airport, there is the option to set up an autopay account for regular uses, such as taxi drivers.