Manchester Airport defends drop-off rules after taxi row over disabled passenger pick-up
Manchester Airport has been forced to issue a response following criticism of its drop-off zone rules which have been branded as 'senseless'. The statement comes after a dispute involving a driver was publicised by an irate taxi company on social media.
The cabbie, an employee of Nolan Airport Service, found himself in a row with car park marshals at the Terminal 3 drop-off point on Sunday night (January 5). The incident was subsequently recorded and shared on social media platforms.
It's understood that the driver had been summoned to pick up three women, all of whom have disabilities, mobility issues, and possess valid disabled blue badges. They had pre-arranged a rendezvous at the airport terminal's drop-off zone rather than the pick-up area, situated in a different nearby car park.
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Manchester Airport's rules state that drop-off charges vary from £5 for five minutes to £6.20 for ten minutes. However, it is free for blue badge holders.
The website also warns that drivers attempting to collect passengers in the drop-off area will be hit with a £100 charge upon exit, reports the MEN.
John Nolan, who has operated the Nolan taxi firm for 36 years, has lambasted the airport for its 'lack of common sense'. He argues that the drop-off zone was a more convenient collection point for the three women, who could 'barely walk' due to their mobility issues, as they would've struggled to reach the designated area in the multi-storey.
In a statement, Manchester Airport pointed out that passengers with mobility issues or disabilities should proceed to the designated pick-up zone after landing, where they can benefit from the assistance of the airport's reduced mobility teams. This free service is available to support those in need through baggage claim and to the correct car park.
John recounted his frustrating experience: "I dropped the ladies off when they went on holiday. All three of them are disabled and have difficulty walking. They aren't very able."
He added: "I asked a marshal if we would be okay to pick them up from the T3 drop off area when they came back, and he said it would be alright due to their disabilities."
However, John faced a problem upon their return: "Then, on Sunday, my driver went to pick them up after they rang him and said they were waiting at the doors. My driver went round for them and one of the marshals was there."
The driver relayed to the marshal that he was there to collect three disabled women, but was met with a threat of a £100 fine: "[My driver] told him he was picking up three disabled ladies, to which he was told it would be a £100 fine. He told them he has been working for us for two-and-a-half years and has done this, on occasion, before, for other passengers with disabilities."
A video posted by John highlighted the issue further: "This is how the Marshals at Manchester Airport treated my driver Akmel last night at Terminal 3. He was picking up 3 disabled ladies who could hardly walk.
"They told him he wasn't allowed to pickup at the dropping off point (something we have been allowed to do for years) or he would get a hundred pound fine. They told him they had to go to the pickup area that is a long walk for them. Surely they could show some consideration for disabled elderly people."
In the footage, the driver is heard stating "Mate, I've told you the score, I've done this for two-and-a-half years" and then requesting the women to present proof of their blue badge passes.
"They are disabled, there's three of them, and now they are going to have to get out because of these guys over here. She can barely walk and you're going to make them go to level three, yeah?"
Taxi company proprietor John remarked: "Yes we know it says you can't pick up there - but walking across to the T3 multi storey for someone who isn't able doesn't make sense. All of them had blue badges and showed them.
"They actually allowed him to put the ladies into the car in the end after saying he wasn't allowed to pick them up, and told him to drive to the T3 car park and back out again. My driver said it was clear they were disabled."
"It's just common sense. It's scandalous. There were four or five marshals around him on that video, it was completely unnecessary.
"The main issue is just the lack of compassion and common sense, with three old dears who can barely walk. You can see on the video one of the ladies even struggles to get out of the car."
Manchester Airport has clarified its policy regarding the use of drop-off zones, stating that while these areas are free for blue badge holders, they are strictly for dropping off passengers to avoid blockages and delays, as the 'dwell time when picking passengers up being longer' can lead to congestion.
A spokesperson from the airport explained: "Blue badge holders are entitled to use our drop-off areas free of charge but these areas are for dropping-off passengers only. This is because the dwell time when picking passengers up is longer and it would mean the drop-off areas would become congested and unavailable to those who need them."
They further advised: "Passengers being picked up after a flight, including those with reduced mobility, should use our designated pick-up areas. These are positioned close to the arrivals areas in all three terminals and have greater capacity than the drop-off areas to allow for the longer dwell times involved when collecting passengers."
The spokesperson also mentioned a fee associated with the pick-up areas: "A charge of £6.20 applies to these areas in order for us to make sure they are not misused. This gives people 30 minutes to collect their passengers, as opposed to the much shorter timeframes they are able to dwell in drop-off areas. These rules are well-established and have been in place for a number of years."
Lastly, they highlighted the airport's commitment to accessibility: "We work closely with our independent Disability Forum to make sure the service we provide meets the needs of all airport users.
"We are also rated 'good' by the Civil Aviation Authority for the services we provide to passengers with reduced mobility. The services we provide include, free of charge, guiding them through the entire airport journey including taking them to the appropriate pick up zone and calling an approved taxi service where necessary."
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