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Posted on the 6th May 2025 in PHTM News
CABBIES HIT OUT AT SOUTHAMPTON AIRPORT FOR INCREASING IT'S DROP- OFF CHARGE YET AGAIN!
Southampton Airport has raised the price to pick-up and drop-off a passenger at its short stay parking facility from £6 to £7 for 20 minutes.
This change means that Southampton Airport now has one of the most expensive rates in the UK, alongside Bristol, Stansted and Gatwick.
Adrian Bridge of Paragon Taxis has been a hackney cab driver for 40 years, he told The Echo: "We have to pass these charges on every time to the customer.
"I have a lot of international customers who are disgusted to see how much you have to pay just to drop people off.
"We have no control over it, they just seem to be increasing the price every year. I think it's an unfair charge.
"We are bringing their customers to them, and we are having to pass on this charge."
Adrian says that whilst he can drop some passengers off nearby, for example, next to the train station, for elderly and disabled customers, this is not an option.
Meanwhile, Chair of the Southampton Hackney & Private Hire Association, Ian Hall pictured below, who has been a licensed driver since 1981 said: "It is atrocious, absolutely atrocious. Southampton airport is very expensive. The charge will be passed on to the customers."
A spokesperson for Southampton Airport said: “As part of a review of our parking facility, our pick-up and drop-off fee will be set at £7 for 20 minutes.
"It is important to note that no changes are being made for blue badge holders who are entitled to a free 30-minute stay in clearly marked spaces within the short stay car park.
"All of the funds generated through our parking facility are reinvested into the airport and play an important role in securing new routes for the region.”
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