Those collecting and dropping-off passengers at the airport are about to lose their free one hour parking - unless they object quickly!
 
The Department of Infrastructure has issued a public notice (published in IOM Examiner on 17th June) stating that it proposes to remove the first hour free in the Short and Long Stay Car Parks at Ronaldsway Airport - and that any objections should be lodged by 30th June. TravelWatch Isle of Man have inspected the draft order (available for inspection on request at the Sea Terminal and the Airport during normal office hours) and discovered that it is intended that a minimum charge of ?1 will apply from 1st July to any person who parks a motor vehicle in an airport public car park for a period of up to one hour.
 
Airport users will be aware that there used to be a disc zone for maximum one hour parking within the short stay car park. When this was removed an alternative disc parking zone was provided accessed via the entrance to the hire car parking area, but to the north of it (further away from the terminal building). This has been little used as it has not been properly signposted - an issue raised by TravelWatch with the Airport Management on a number of occasions. However the continued ability to park free for up to an hour in the other car parks has meant that few users have been seriously inconvenienced.
 
In view of the notified intention to remove the "one hour free" from the main car parks, TravelWatch have contacted Airport Management to request proper signposting for the one hour disc zone - only to be advised that this facility is also to be withdrawn from 1st July.

• This change is not mentioned in the notice in the press, nor is it mentioned in the draft Order available for public inspection.
• We believe that no longer having a designated area for short term free parking represents a change of policy which should be subject to proper consultation and that any changes should be deferred until after that consultation has taken place..
• There are no other changes in parking charges being introduced at this stage and no reason or justification for this change has been put forward.
• TravelWatch are arranging an early meeting with Airport Management to discuss this further - but in view of the tight deadline they have imposed for objections to be lodged, we need to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of what is intended.