Airport axes drop-off bays

The airport says it is introducing parking changes to cope with the new security measures.

A new 'rapid drop-off' area will be situated close to Terminals One and Two and will cost £1 for 20 minutes.

Stays over that time will be charged £3 for every subsequent 15 minutes.

Elsewhere, drop-off facilities in the long-stay car parks will provide up to 30 minutes of free parking, with buses to the terminals.

All short-stay parking and pick-up facilities will be located in the airport's multi-storey car parks, costing £1 for the first 30 minutes.

The existing short-stay, near the Novotel, will be closed.

John Morris, head of corporate affairs at the airport, said: "Since the attempted terrorist attacks in Glasgow and London, our set-down roads have remained closed at the front of the terminals.

"During this time the existing short-stay car park has been used as a temporary measure for dropping off passengers, which has been free for 10 minutes.

"Although Birmingham has not suffered any severe traffic congestion, more permanent facilities have to be introduced prior to the peak summer period to speed up the flows of traffic."

Disabled drivers and passengers will be entitled to a 30 minute complimentary parking facility in the Rapid Drop-Off area.

To obtain the free parking, drivers should go to the NCP customer service desk in Terminal One before leaving the airport and show their Blue Badge to get their car park ticket validated.

New signs have been put in place around the airport.

Passengers can visit www.bhx.co.uk for details.