So in layman's terms, go anywhere near the airport and you’ll be charged
Readers have had their say on the creation of a free ‘Waiting Zone’ at Newcastle Airport.
Newcastle Airport announced earlier this week that it has launched a new Waiting Zone for taxis and public vehicles.
The facility at Callerton Parkway, next to the Callerton Parkway Metro station, provides a safe area for vehicles to wait before picking up passengers - offering up to 90 minutes free parking for cars, taxis and minibuses.
From January 6, the airport will further invest in the site as it looks to introduce a complimentary electric shuttle bus service, which will initially run every 30 minutes and transport passengers between the waiting zone and the terminal front entrance.
However, the introduction of the free parking site does remove the current 15-minute free drop-off period from the Short Stay 2 car park, which is in walking distance of the terminal.
Readers across our Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette and NewcastleWorld titles had mixed feelings about the decision to open the new free waiting site.
This is what you had to say across Iconic Media’s North East titles:
Brian Tyson: “Trying to sell this as an improvement when all they've done is remove the free 15 minutes.”
Alan Dodd: “So there's going to be a free electric shuttle bus service every 30 mins to and from Callerton Parkway - how big is the bus?
“Last time I was at the airport there were about 40 cars in the express car park all leaving within 10 minutes after a holiday flight came in, and several more over the next 10 minutes.
“So either the bus or new free car park will end up full, with some folk having to wait - either way it will add more time to passengers' journey.”
Geoff Benson: “It’s disappointing that this replaces the Short Stay 2 free drop off, as this is easily accessible on foot going to the airport.
“The Callerton Parkway free drop off means passengers still need to use some form of transport to the airport, which is fine during the operation times of the Metro but not outside of those times.”
Martin Appleton: “Might as well just jump on the Metro during running times as it'll drop off right at the airport.”
Anne-Marie Burlison: “Best off paying to park.”
Danny Meldrew: “You've got rid of the 15 minute free drop off at the airport, and relocated it to Callerton Metro.
“So in layman's terms, go anywhere near the airport and you’ll be charged.”
Alli Louise Bates: “So now instead of getting dropped at Short Stay 2, which is free and a five-minute walk to terminal, we are going to have to get dropped at Callerton and wait for a shuttle bus.
“Then we have to lift our luggage on and off - definitely not an improvement, especially for anyone with mobility issues.”