Posted on the 19th January 2026 in PHTM News
"A NIGHTMARE": VETERAN PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER SLAMS BRISTOL AIRPORTS UNFAIR PARKING FEES
A veteran private hire driver has accused Bristol Airport of running an “unprofessional and unfair operation” as soaring drop-off fees and logistical bottlenecks squeeze both drivers and passengers.
Steve Usher, who has operated in the region for 23 years, claims the airport’s layout and pricing structure are “designed to take as much funds as they possibly can,” making his daily working life a struggle.
The minimum charge for the Drop Off & Pick Up zone currently stands at £8.50—a figure that has skyrocketed from just £1 a decade ago.
Mr. Usher argues that the ten-minute window allowed for this fee is frequently impossible to meet due to congestion.
“At busy times you have to queue to park, then let all your passengers out and retrieve their luggage while they search for a trolley,” he explained.
He further noted that poor signal at the site often delays payments, and by the time a driver reaches the exit, “the rate has gone up because you might be a few minutes over the ten-minute limit.”
A stay of between 10 and 20 minutes triggers a £10.50 charge. Mr. Usher revealed the personal financial toll of these hikes, stating he spent nearly £2,000 on airport access fees in just nine months last year.
Parking charges now constitute the airport’s single biggest source of income; the minimum drop-off charge of £8.50 is second only to London Gatwick (£10) and more expensive than London Heathrow (£7). A ten-minute stay at Cardiff Airport is £3.
While the airport promotes a free "Waiting Zone" serviced by a shuttle bus, Mr. Usher dismissed the alternative as unrealistic for many. He cited poor bus frequency and the distance passengers must walk with heavy luggage, particularly in bad weather.
“Many times when I have been waiting at the free waiting zone, travellers have approached me to run them to the main terminal as there have not been any shuttle buses and they fear they will miss their check-in,” he said. He added that one client who tried the free zone told him: “Never again, it's not worth the hassle.”
Bristol Airport, where parking is now the single largest source of income, defended its policy. A spokesperson stated that “numerous taxi drivers and customers regularly use our drop off & pick up car park without issues.”
The airport maintained that the complimentary shuttle runs every 15 minutes and takes only five minutes to reach from the waiting zone, adding: “For customers who require additional assistance we have other car parking options available.”
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