Airport parking crackdown has 'significant' impact

Restrictions aimed at tackling "illegal, inconsiderate and dangerous" parking near an airport are having a significant impact, a council claims.

The B6918 and Callerton Lane near Newcastle International Airport were designated a red route in October, marked by double red lines.

Sixteen people received warning letters during a two-week period from 21 October, with 52 penalty charge notices issued between 4 November and 27 January.

It follows concerns motorists were using the area to avoid paying for a parking space at the airport while they dropped people off or picked them up.

The Labour-led authority said the "tougher measures" were needed because the previous double yellow lines were often ignored.

A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: "Since the scheme was introduced we have seen a significant improvement in parking issues in the local area, with the majority of drivers adhering to the restrictions."

Ahead of the red route's introduction, Pamela Holmes, assistant director for transport, said people living in the area had raised issues with vehicles stopping outside their homes "often during the night and early hours".

Penalty charges are £70, or £35 if paid within 21 days, while the airport car park closest to the terminal costs £5 for 10 minutes, £8 for 30 minutes and £12 for an hour.

However, an alternative facility further away offers 15 minutes without charge and there is a free waiting area for cars and taxis at Callerton Parkway.

The council said it "would strongly encourage people to use them, rather than risk a fine".

When the measures were first announced last August, the airport said it "fully supported" them.

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