Kevin Brown backs £1 drop-off fee at Edinburgh Airport

Almost 5,000 people have signed a petition against the plan

New Edinburgh airport boss Kevin Brown has backed the £1 drop-off charge.

The controversial charge, which will payable by motorists from October, will be enforced by barriers at a new drop-off zone of the multi-storey car park.

A plate recognition scheme will work by charging drivers as they leave the area, with initial charges of £1 for 10 minutes.

Mr Brown, the airport's new managing director, said he was in "no doubt" it was the best solution.

He added: "I understand this may not be a popular decision, but our current drop off facilities are no longer fit for purpose."

But Conservative MSP Gavin Brown, who has been leading a campaign against the charge, said he had collected almost 5,000 signatures on his "drop-off rip-off" petition.

He said: "The new managing director said he would listen to the community, but just days into the new role he doesn't seem to be listening at all.

"This decision will be hugely damaging for Edinburgh's reputation and I urge him to reconsider.

"People are strongly against it now, but it is only when it comes into force that we will see real resentment about this drop-off-rip-off charge."

The MSP has vowed to continue his fight against the charge.