Drivers have been warned of new parking restrictions in place on roads outside Newcastle Airport which can see motorists slapped with hefty fines.
The warning comes as Newcastle City Council looks to improve safety by preventing “inconsiderate and dangerous” parking on roads near Newcastle Airport.
Work to begin the installation of the red lines has already started with the restrictions coming into force on October 21.
The restrictions hope to deter vehicles stopping on roads and residential streets close to the airport while waiting to drop off and pick up travellers.
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Fines will be issued along from the A696 roundabout next to the airport
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The measure sees double red lines introduced from the A696 roundabout next to the airport along the B6918 and Callerton Lane.
Vehicles will not be permitted to stop on roads covered by the red route with drivers instead encouraged to use the parking and free waiting facilities at the airport.
Any breaches to the route can result in a penalty charge notice for £70, or £35 if paid within 21 days.
Councillor Marion Williams said: “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.
“For residents, this has meant putting up with noise and disturbance from vehicles stopping outside their homes to load and unload at all hours of day and night and often with engines left running.
“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 to reduce the risk of incidents caused by illegal, inconsiderate and dangerous parking.”
Newcastle Airport provides free 15-minute parking for dropping off and picking up passengers in its Short Stay car park.
The red route will be marked with double red lines at the side of the road with vehicles banned from stopping along the route to ensure traffic can flow freely and without obstructions.
But the upcoming penalties have been met with driver fury with one person stating the move is “absolutely shocking”.
Someone shared: “Absolutely shocking they don’t provide a bus route from Newcastle into the airport but costs £4 for someone to drive in and out for five minutes ripping off customers.”
Another claimed: “It will only get worse!! The authorities have shown they are in bed with the airport. Why don’t the authorities create a nominal fee short-term car park next to the airport. Looks like a nice little earner.”
Posting on Facebook, a third local stated that people are “completely missing the point” of why this is happening.
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Newcastle Airport provides free 15-minute parking
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A taxi driver said: “Extension of the Red lines are for illegal parking, hazardous parking etc. Which happens a lot!! Yes, parking in general is a rip-off but it’s the same at every UK airport.
“You can park at garage for free for 30 mins, buy a coffee you get an extra 30 mins. Why are people paying to wait in the airport anyway? The only thing these new double red lines will do is push the illegal parking and dangerous parking further down the road.”
