The revised arrangements for car parking charges at the Isle of Man Airport will come into operation from Monday 5 January 2015.
The changes were announced by the Department of Infrastructure on 22 October 2014 as part of a package of measures aimed at securing the additional income necessary to meet its challenging budget target.
The 30-minute free parking period is to be removed. Starting on 5 January, the changes to the current fees for the short-stay and long-stay car parks will be –
- 0 to 60 minutes - £1
- 61 to 120 minutes (ie second hour) - £2
- Up to 4 hours - £3.50 short stay and £3 long stay
- First day rate charges to increase by 50p – to £13.50 short stay and £13 long stay
Arrangements for dropping off passengers via the outer lane in front of the terminal building will continue.
The revised car parking charges are expected to generate income of up to £75,000 per annum and build on the effectiveness of a range of cost saving initiatives at the Isle of Man Airport.
Over the last year, the Airport and Harbours Divisions have merged and there has been a reduction in staff numbers of approximately 10%, including the loss of a senior management post. Staff cost savings in 2013/14 at the Airport were close to £500,000 and this year the Ports Division is forecast to save up to £750,000.
Minister Phil Gawne MHK said:
‘Significant progress has been achieved in terms of reducing operating costs at the Airport. We have made extensive efforts to get our own house in order before introducing any new charges. We are mindful of the potential impact on the public, but believe a charge of £1 for the first hour’s parking at the Airport is reasonable. Even with the new pricing structure in place the Isle of Man would compare favourably to the vast majority of airports throughout the British Isles where parking fees are considerably higher.’
The new parking arrangements at the Airport are part of a wide range of initiatives being progressed by the Department to help Government achieve its national priority of rebalancing public finances. Infrastructure is responsible for delivering budget reductions of £5 million in the current financial year, which is half of Government’s overall target for 2014-15.
The Department has been in discussion with passenger groups to inform them of the forthcoming changes.
Ann Reynolds, Director of Ports, said:
‘We have carried out a further review of car parking at the Airport and also took into account the comments that were submitted in the summer of 2013 when the £1 charge for the first hour was first proposed. With the exception of Gloucester and Guernsey, other regional airports flying to and from the Isle of Man charge between £1.40 and £11.00 for the first hour of parking. Our charges for longer stays are also substantially lower in comparison. In addition, people can still drive up to the front of the terminal building to drop off passengers without charge, which is extremely unusual nowadays.’
