Feeling ripped off by the avarice of Aldergrove

October 05 2010 12:21 PM

What is happening at Belfast International Airport is nothing more than a rip-off.

In the past, most people used to park on the road from the roundabout until called by the person being picked up. Then they would drive the half-mile to the terminal to pick up the person, safe in the knowledge they were waiting.

Then the airport started charging everyone £1 to drop off and pick up. Why? It can only be to take more money off travellers.

Separate to this, there seems to be a concerted effort by the local authority to 'herd' travellers to the airport drop-off/pick-up zone.

Double-yellow lines have been painted on the road past the Ballyrobin including into a specially-built lay-by. What is the point of the lay-by?

Also, parking in the long-stay car park has gone up hugely. Last year, it cost me £21 for seven days. This year I was quoted £40.

Most people don't mind paying for services. It's not the outright cost - it's when they feel they are being ripped off.

Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world and it allows free drop-off. Belfast City is less busy than Aldergrove and has recently spent money on a free drop-off/pick-up zone.

Also, let's not forget, Belfast International is owned by a Spanish company called TBI, so all the money leaves the local economy.

I have nothing to do with parking companies around Aldergrove. I just don't like being ripped off.

I EDWARDS

Ballymena, Co Antrim