Don’t get caught out. Confused Dad fined £200 at East Midlands Airport despite paying for parking

A Clifton man was left very confused after being landed with £200 in fines at East Midlands Airport, despite paying for his parking both times.

What happened at East Midlands Airport

Kevin Smith, 68, used the airport’s rapid drop-off zone twice on June 30, once to take his son to the airport, and again later to collect him. Smith spent nine minutes in the zone for the drop-off and six minutes for the pick-up, paying £5 online on each occasion. Despite this, he received two £100 fines, reducible to £60 each if settled within 14 days.

How the rapid drop-off zone works

The zone operates on a barrier-free ANPR camera system, allowing drivers to pull up directly outside the terminal. Charges are £5 for the first 15 minutes, then £1 for each additional minute, up to a 30-minute maximum stay. There are no cash points or payment barriers on site, payment must be made online or by phone, by midnight the day after the visit.

Why he was fined despite paying correctly

The fines were triggered not by non-payment but by when he paid: he completed the transaction while still inside the drop-off zone, rather than after leaving it. A notice on the payment screen instructs users to confirm they’ve exited the forecourt before paying, a detail Smith says wasn’t clear to him.

Smith reportedly said, “We paid on the app, we followed the rules, the money left the account and then they had the cheek to give me £60 fines.” He described the system as confusing, particularly for first-time visitors or those without smartphones, and says he’ll contest the second fine in court if necessary.

What the airport and parking operator say

An airport spokesperson said an “improved layout and clear signage” introduced last year offers a better customer experience. Parking operator APCOA said the payment screen clearly advises drivers to leave the area before paying. Smith’s first fine has been cancelled; he’s awaiting a decision on the second.

What flyers need to be aware using the drop off at East Midlands Airport

– Pay only after leaving the drop-off zone entirely, not while still parked.
– No cash or on-site payment options exist, pay online or by phone.
– Payment is due by midnight the day after your visit.
– Rates: £5 for 15 minutes, then £1 per extra minute, capped at 30 minutes.
– Read the payment screen carefully,  the “leave first” instruction is easy to miss.
– Appeal promptly if fined unfairly; the airport has cancelled fines before.