How Much Does it Cost to Drop Off at Gatwick Airport?
As one of the busiest airports in the UK, Gatwick offers good opportunities for PCO drivers. Here the rides are in constant demand which means if you target this airport, you can quickly take your earnings to the next level.
However, every rose has its thorn and Gatwick is no different. The airport has a drop-off charge that every vehicle entering the drop-off zones must pay. It doesn’t matter how brief your time is at the airport, if you are in the drop-off zone, the fee is unavoidable.
In this article, we will take a thorough look at Gatwick drop-off charge. If you are looking for ways to manage it expertly, you have come to the right place.
What is Gatwick Drop-Off Charge?
Gatwick drop-off charge is a fee that all the vehicles using the drop-off zones close to the North and South terminals must pay. These zones are meant to help passengers quickly get inside the airport.
It’s a £6 fee that you have to pay for using the drop-off zone for up to 10 minutes. If you stay longer than that, you will have to pay £1 for every additional minute.
You can stay in the drop-off zones for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Hyundai Kona
£125/week
Hyundai Ioniq SE
£200/week
KIA Sorento 2025
£350/week
Kia Niro 2
£260/week
Kia Xceed
£220/week
Toyota Prius Plug-in
£220/week
MG HS 2025
£260/week
Volkswagen Sharan
£280/week
How to Pay Gatwick Drop-Off Charge?
You must pay the charge by midnight the day after you use the drop-off zone. There are three ways to pay the charge:
Autopay: This method requires you to create an account first. When creating the account, you will need to provide your vehicle and bank details. Once you have opened the account successfully, you will be charged automatically every time you use the drop-off zone. This means you won’t have to worry about forgetting to pay and receiving a PCN. This method is ideal for frequent users of Gatwick drop-off zones.
Online: If you don’t have an Autopay account, you can pay online through this link. Here, you will need to provide your credit/debit card details along with your vehicle’s registration number. This is the easiest way to pay the fee.
Phone: If you don’t want to pay online or through autopay, you can pay the charge via phone by dialling 0330 174 4503.
What Happens If I Don't Pay the Gatwick Drop-Off Charge?
If you fail to pay the Gatwick drop-off charge within the given time frame, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for £100. If you pay the fine within 14 days, it is reduced to £60. However, if you delay the payment for more than the said period, the fine will escalate.
Gatwick, like other airports, doesn’t tolerate unpaid fees and takes strict action against those who fail to pay the charge.
Can I Contest the PCN?
Yes, you can challenge the PCN. However, you must have a solid proof to back your claim, such as:
- You can prove that the PCN was issued due to an error.
- You paid the fee on time but the system didn’t register it.
Without clear proof, your appeal is unlikely to succeed. And remember that when you are fighting your case, the deadlines don’t go away. This means if your appeal is denied after more than 14 days of receiving a PCN, you must pay higher fines.
Is There a Free Drop-Off Option at Gatwick?
Gatwick’s Long Stay Car Parks offer free parking for up to two hours. However. They are located a bit further away and the passenger will need a shuttle transfer to reach the terminal. The shuttle service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week which makes it ideal for passengers who aren’t in a hurry.
Both North and South Terminals have long stay car parks. So, no matter which terminal you use, you will have the option of free drop-off.
The option is mostly used by PCO drivers to keep their costs in check. After all, the fuel prices are rising and there are maintenance costs as well. Given all this, every pound you save counts.
Remember that you can’t overstay the two-hour parking limit. Doing so will lead to fines that cancel out the benefit of free parking.
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Who Pays Gatwick Drop-Off Charge?
The Gatwick drop-off zones are constantly monitored by ANPR cameras. These cameras automatically record number plates of the vehicles entering the drop-off zone. Once your vehicle has been recorded by a camera, you must pay the fee as the driver. There’s no way to avoid it.
However, you can include the fee in fares. But you need to inform the passengers in advance.
Many passengers are already aware of Gatwick drop-off charges. If you explain the situation, most of them will understand and agree to pay the fee. This agreement is particularly beneficial for PCO drivers as many rideshare platforms such as Uber and Bolt allow drivers to include the airport fee in fares.
What are the Red Routes at Gatwick?
Red routes are areas around Gatwick airport site where you are not allowed to stop or park. If you are dropping off passengers, you must use paid or free drop-off zones. The authorities have clearly marked the routes with signage and road markings. There is also a vehicle monitoring and enforcement system that tracks the red route. If you are caught violating the boundaries set by the airport, you will end up facing a fine of £100 which is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Conclusion
Gatwick drop-off charges are manageable if you understand the system. If you are a regular visitor, try to use Long Stay car park whenever possible to minimise costs. Here, you can park for up to two hours without paying a single penny. However, if you extend your stay beyond that, it may lead to fines.
If you must use the express drop-off zone, make sure to pay the standard fee within the given time frame to avoid penalties. You can also convince the passengers to pay the fee for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you accidentally drive through Gatwick drop off zone?
Even if you accidentally drive through Gatwick drop-off zone, you will have to pay the drop-off fee which is £6 for up to 10 minutes. Not paying the fee will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Can I avoid drop-off charges at Gatwick Airport?
Yes, you can use Long Stay Car Parks to avoid paying drop-off charges at Gatwick airport as here, you can park for free for up to two hours.
What happens if I stay too long in the drop-off area at Gatwick?
If you stay beyond 10 minutes in the drop-off area at Gatwick, you will have to pay £1 for every extra minute. The maximum length of time you can stay in the drop-off zone is 30 minutes for £25.
