The plan to introduce a £1 airport parking fee for the first hour of car parking at Ronaldsway will not go ahead.
Instead the first half hour of parking in both the short stay and long stay car parks will be free.
In a statement released yesterday it was announced that, after considering all the public comments received, which was around 150 in total, and having met with TravelWatch at the end of June, Minister David Cretney decided to meet the public halfway and to retain a 30 minute free period, something that was in place nearly a decade ago.
‘The Department did consider having a period of up to 30 minutes’ free parking as one of the original options, however when this was originally in place, it was abused by members of the public, so we decided against the option,’ said Mr Cretney.
‘However having read all the comments, many people have said that they were not against a change but suggested that a reduced period of free parking would be helpful,’ he added.
‘So I have decided that there will be up to 30 minutes’ free parking.
‘In addition, we will re-instate a conveniently placed disc zone within the short stay car park, for genuine short term users, so that meeters and greeters, or those with mobility issues can park near the Terminal and collect their passengers and luggage, and depart within the 30 minute period,’ continued the minister.
The car park rates, with the new 30 minute free period, will be re-advertised, and will take effect from mid-August.
In summary, the charges will be as follows; free parking for up to 30 minutes in both the short stay and long stay car parks. In the short stay car park, £1 for 31 minutes to one hour, £1.50 for one to two hours, and £2.50 for two to four hours. In the long stay car park charges will be £1 between 31 minutes and two hours, and £2 for two to four hour stays.
There will be no change to the daily rates or subsequent day rates for short or long stay.
There will be a convenient disc zone in the short stay car park, for parking up to 30 minutes, and the current disabled parking nearest to the Terminal, (adjacent to the hire cars), which is currently used free, for up to one hour, will continue for disabled users free of charge.
The current facility in front of the Terminal building, whereby passengers can be picked up and dropped off, will continue with no changes.
‘I would like to thank the people who have taken the time to write or email in their comments. I hope that this decision will be met with satisfaction by most. We will continue to monitor the car park usage and we will review the situation in the Spring,’ concluded the minister.
TravelWatch welcomed the decision, saying: ‘We believe that open discussion of these issues has been helpful to all concerned and hope this might become a model for future handling of such changes.’
