MP slams Manchester Airport’s ‘confusing’ online fines as families hit with unfair charges

Tuesday, 2 September 2025 12:15

By David Murphy

Bury North MP James Frith is calling for urgent changes to Manchester Airport’s new online parking system, after local residents complained of being unfairly fined during short pick-up or drop-off stops.

A string of complaints from Bury residents has prompted local MP James Frith to challenge Manchester Airport over its new online payment system for parking in drop-off and pick-up zones.

The Labour MP says constituents have been left feeling unfairly penalised after receiving fines—even during visits lasting less than five minutes—due to unclear signage and confusion around how to pay.

In a letter addressed to the airport’s Managing Director, Frith criticised the system for “penalising honest motorists for genuine mistakes” and said the fines were often “disproportionate” compared to the brief duration of stops.

“I fully appreciate the airport’s efforts to reduce congestion and speed up drop-off and pick-up,” Frith said. “But the current approach risks penalising honest motorists for genuine mistakes.”

Frith’s letter calls for three key reforms:

Extending the time window allowed to make a payment before issuing fines
Introducing written notifications before issuing penalties for missed payments
Improving signage to ensure payment instructions are clear, visible, and easy to understand

The current system requires motorists to pay online within a limited timeframe after using airport drop-off areas, but many have reported missing the window or failing to notice signage altogether. Some have even received £100 penalty charges despite attempting to pay.

Manchester Airport has defended the system, stating that it is designed to cut down on congestion, encourage smoother traffic flow, and fund transport improvements. A spokesperson previously said that the online payment model offers “greater flexibility” and supports the airport’s long-term sustainability goals.

But Frith says the rollout has left too many residents confused and unfairly punished.

“People should be able to drop off and collect family members without the fear of receiving an unfair fine,” he added. “I hope Manchester Airport will listen to these concerns and work to ensure a transparent and reasonable system for all users.”

The airport has not yet publicly responded to Frith’s letter.