New red routes at a major airport will be enforced next week with drivers warned to expect fines for breaching the rules.
From October 21, vehicles which stop on roads covered by the red routes around Newcastle Airport could receive a penalty charge notice.
The new enforcement measures will be put in place to improve safety by preventing dangerous parking on roads near Newcastle Airport.
When in effect, vehicles which stop on roads covered by the ‘red route’ from the A696 roundabout next to the airport along the B6918 and Callerton Lane could receive a penalty charge notice.
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Enforcements in place near Newcastle airport
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The red route is marked with double red lines at the side of the road and vehicles are prohibited from stopping along the route to ensure traffic can flow freely and without obstruction, reducing the risk of incidents caused by dangerous parking.
It follows concerns raised by residents about vehicles seen stopping on roads and residential streets close to the airport while waiting to drop off and pick up travellers.
Pamela Holmes, Assistant Director for Transport at Newcastle City Council said: “This scheme is in place to address road safety issues and as well as concerns raised by residents regarding disturbance caused by vehicles stopping outside their homes to drop off or pick people up, often during the night and early hours.
“Restrictions were in place with double yellow lines, but they were often disregarded which is why, following consultation, we need tougher measures to reduce the risk of accidents caused by illegal, inconsiderate and dangerous parking.”
She added: “A number of other airports currently have these schemes in place to tackle such issues.
“There are free facilities provided by the airport for picking up and dropping off people, including a free waiting area for cars and taxis nearby at Callerton Parkway, and we would strongly encourage people to use them, rather than risk a fine.”
The airport currently provides free 15-minute parking for dropping off and picking up passengers in its Short Stay 2 car park as well as a free dedicated car and taxi waiting area at Callerton Parkway.
Enforcement will be covered by static cameras which are due to be installed as well as mobile cameras and Civil Enforcement Officers.
Drivers who are found to have breached the restriction will receive a penalty charge notice for £70, or £35 if paid within 21 days. But the move has been met with heavy criticism by residents in the area with many taking to social media to vent.
One person shared: “Another way to rip people off! We always used airport parking, but now it’s literally half the price to get a taxi, I bet they aren’t as busy as they used to be, it’s pure greed.”
Another person stated that part of this problem is the lack of parking for pickups at the airport.
Meanwhile someone else commented: “The council are part of the problem, as part owners of the airport and in their position a local authority. The road as you leave the airport is dreadful, poorly sign posted and lit.”
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Fines will be issued along from the A696 roundabout next to the airport PACouncillor Marion Williams added: “We’ve had a number of safety concerns raised in relation to vehicles parking up on residential streets and roads close to the airport runway while dropping people off or picking them up.
“While there are double yellow lines in place on these roads they are quite often disregarded and therefore, following consultation, we have decided to put tougher measures in place.”