London Stansted Airport to Implement Barrier-Free Drop-Off System

London Stansted Airport is set to introduce an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system, which will enable drivers to pass through without needing to stop and make a payment at a barrier. This technology, currently utilized at the Dartford Crossing, is scheduled for installation at Stansted’s Express Set Down (ESD) area in January. This initiative follows the announcement in October of £1.1bn in government investment, which will allow the airport to proceed with an extension. Anita Harrison, customer operations director, stated, “We have seen these systems work effectively at other airports and in other settings, such as bridges, toll roads and tunnels, and that is why we are confident it will improve the overall experience for users.” Earlier this month, Stansted announced its projected capacity to handle between 48 and 51 million passengers annually by 2040. Ms Harrison indicated that the new barrierless system is expected to make drop-offs “quicker and more convenient, reducing driver waiting times and helping improve passenger flows.” She also mentioned that the recent investment is anticipated to “deliver wide-ranging benefits at every touch point of a passenger’s journey while at the airport.” The charge for drop-offs will be payable by midnight the day after the service is used. Users currently incur a charge of £7 for a drop-off lasting up to 15 minutes, or £25 for longer durations. Visitors will have the option to pay online or via phone, and frequent users, such as taxi drivers, will be able to register for an auto-pay account. Stansted assured customers that prominent signage would be visible to remind them of the changes, both before and after their introduction in the New Year.