Dad blasts 'unfair' £200 airport parking fines despite paying at drop-off zone

Dad blasts 'unfair' £200 airport parking fines despite paying at drop-off zone Kevin Smith, 68, was handed two fines totalling £200 for using the drop-off zone at East Midlands Airport despite paying the £5 charge on each occasion while visiting A dad who was hit with £200 parking fines at East Midlands Airport despite paying when he visited has blasted the system as "unfair". Kevin Smith, 68, used the airport's rapid drop-off zone to take his son to drop off and then collect him from the airport, paying the £5 charge for both trips. And so he was left "confused" when he was sent penalties totalling £200 due to a regulation which means you must pay after you leave and not while you are in the drop off zone. A barrier-free ANPR camera system operates at the airport which allowing motorists to leave their vehicle directly outside the airport's terminal building. Drivers are charged £5 for up to 15 minutes, with an additional £1 for every minute beyond that - up to a maximum of half an hour. Payments cannot be made using cash or at any on-site payment barriers, with drivers instead required to pay online or by phone before midnight on the day following their airport visit. Mr Smith and his son used the app to make payment on both the drop-off and pick-up occasions, with the former occurring on June 30. The Clifton resident states he spent nine minutes in the drop-off zone during the outward visit and six minutes during the return trip, with £5 being deducted from his account on both occasions. Despite this, Mr Smith still received fines of £100 for each visit, with both reduced to £60 if settled within 14 days. Mr Smith told the Nottingham Post: "They took the money on both occasions for the rapid drop-off. We paid on the app, we followed the rules, the money left the account and then they had the cheek to give me £60 fines. "This isn't just about me, but about people who might not have a phone or who are just stuck in a bit of a bubble. I think it's so unfair. It was my first time going to East Midlands Airport and it was very confusing. I think they need to make it a lot simpler for people." It is understood the penalties were issued because Mr Smith made the payment while still within the rapid drop-off area. A notification on the app advises customers they should ensure they've departed the forecourt before processing payment. An East Midlands Airport spokesperson commented: "We introduced an improved layout and clear signage last year which we're satisfied provides a better customer experience." A spokesperson for parking operator APCOA stated: "Customers are advised on the payment screen that vehicles must have left the drop off area before a payment is made. Customers then have until midnight the following day to pay for their visit." Mr Smith's first penalty has already been cancelled and he's awaiting a response from APCOA regarding the second, but he added: "I will not pay and I will fight it in court if I have to."