Clamp down on 'inconsiderate' parking near airport

The council says the new measures will affect people picking up and dropping off passengers

New restrictions on parking are to be imposed near an airport to tackle "illegal, inconsiderate and dangerous" behaviour.

Newcastle City Council said it was restricting parking on the B6918 and Callerton Lane near Newcastle International Airport.

The new rules will prohibit vehicles from stopping or parking on the roads or the grass verges instead of paying for a parking space at the airport, while they wait to pick people up.

The council has not confirmed when the restrictions will come into force, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The council plan has been met with criticism, with 14 objections lodged against the scheme.

Critics said that the airport should "take more responsibility by providing free parking and extending taxi provisions".

However, a spokesperson for the airport said the plan was "fully supported".

"These measures are in response to concerns from local residents regarding inappropriate and inconsiderate parking in the area and to improve the safety of such roads," the spokesperson added.

'Reduce risk'

Currently there is parking available in an area of the airport where cars can park for 15 minutes without charge.

The express pick-up and drop-off car park costs £4 for 10 minutes, £7 for 30 minutes and £11 for an hour.

A report by the local authority said: “Newcastle City Council has proposed the red route to allow traffic to flow freely and without obstruction and restriction.

"It will reduce the risk of incidents caused by illegal, inconsiderate, and dangerous parking along this busy route.

"The red route system will also ensure that vehicles can move seamlessly, reducing congestion and the risk of traffic disruptions."