Drivers slapped with £70 fines in 'tough' airport crackdown

Motorists are being warned about new parking restrictions near Newcastle International Airport, set to come into force this month
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Drivers will be slapped with new airport parking fines as "tougher measures" crack down on passengers. Motorists are being warned about new parking restrictions near Newcastle International Airport, set to come into force this month, with fines of up to £70 threatening those who stop on a newly introduced 'red route'.

Local council chiefs have announced that new measures will be enforced by a combination of static and mobile cameras, along with Civil Enforcement Officers, to ensure compliance with no stopping restrictions. Drivers caught breaching the rules will face a £70 penalty charge notice, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

Labour Councillor Marion Williams, who oversees transport for the council, commented of the changes this week: "We've had a number of safety concerns raised in relation to vehicles parking up on residential streets and roads close to the airport runway while dropping people off or picking them up."

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Ms Williams went on to say: "For residents this has meant putting up with noise and disturbance from vehicles stopping outside their homes to load and unload at all hours of day and night and often with engines left running."

She added, "While there are double yellow lines in place on these roads they are quite often disregarded and therefore, following consultation, we have decided to put tougher measures in place to reduce the risk of incidents caused by illegal, inconsiderate and dangerous parking."

The measure sees double red lines introduced from the A696 roundabout next to the airport along the B6918 and Callerton Lane. Vehicles will not be permitted to stop on roads covered by the red route with drivers instead encouraged to use the parking and free waiting facilities at the airport.

Newcastle Airport provides free 15-minute parking for dropping off and picking up passengers in its Short Stay car park.