The Ultimate Guide to Stansted Drop-Off System
Stansted Airport handles countless flights and passengers every year, making it a bustling hub with plenty of opportunities for PCO drivers. However, you must pay a fee called the Stansted drop-off charge if you have to enter the drop-off zone.
It’s a must-pay fee for everyone who uses the Express Set Down drop-off zone.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about Stansted drop-off charges and how to manage it with ease.
In this Article, You Will Learn:
- Stansted drop-off charge is a £7 fee that applies to every vehicle using the drop-off zone.
- If you don’t pay the fee within the given time frame, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for up to £100.
- You can pay the Stansted drop-off charge through an automatic ticket machine or at the barrier.
- It’s possible to contest PCN.
- There are two alternative drop-off zones available where the fees are relatively lower.
- All the drivers, including PCO drivers, must pay the same £7 fee.
- There are no additional peak time fees at drop-off zones.
- Stansted drop-off charge is non-refundable.
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What is Stansted Drop-Off Charge?
Stansted drop-off charge is the £7 fee that every vehicle using the express drop-off zone must pay. You can stay in the zone for up to 15 minutes for this fee. If you exceed the 15-minute limit, you will be charged £25 for the additional time.
If you leave the zone and re-enter within 30 minutes, you will be recharged a reduced fee of £20.
It is important to note that the drop-off charge is mandatory and must be paid within the given time, which is by midnight the day after using the Express Set Down drop-off zone.
What happens if I Don’t Pay the Stansted Drop-Off Charge?
Stansted drop-off zone is monitored by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras track every vehicle that enters the zone. Once your vehicle has been detected by an ANPR camera, you must pay the standard £7 fee.
Not paying the fee will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for up to £100, which may be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. The fine remains £100 if you fail to pay it within 14 days, but it could lead to legal proceedings and additional costs.
How to Pay Stansted Drop-Off Charge?
There are two ways to pay the Stansted drop-off charge: automatic ticket machines and at the barrier.
When paying through automatic machines, you can use your credit or debit card. These machines are located inside and around the terminal to make the process more convenient.
You have to insert your card into the machine and enter the Car’s registration number. The machine fetches the data captured by the ANPR system, and a prompt will appear on the screen for you to confirm the payment. You will receive a confirmation receipt upon successful transaction.
Furthermore, you can pay the charges online by visiting the Official Stansted Airport website. Go to their Drop-off Charge Payment Page, enter your vehicle registration number, and pay your fee. You will receive a confirmation email once the payment is processed.
Can I Contest the PCN?
Yes, you can contest the PCN. However, you must have solid proof to back your claim.
Let’s say you paid the standard drop-off fee within the given time frame, but the system somehow missed it, or your vehicle wasn’t even in the drop-off zone during the time stated on the notice. These are some valid reasons for contesting the charge.
If you are contesting the charge, the 14-day period is still valid to reduce the fine. If you don’t get a response within 14 days or the process takes longer than 14 days, the fine will increase to full £100.
It is advisable to pay the fine within the 14-day period even if you are contesting the charge to ensure your fine does not increase. If you win the contest, you can always request a refund for the amount paid. This way, you won’t risk losing the discount period while waiting for your PCN contest outcome.
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Are there any Alternative Drop-Off Options Available at Stansted?
Yes, the Stansted airport offers Short-Stay car park and Mid-Stay car park drop off options as well, besides the £7 Express Set Down. If you need a little more time before leaving or waiting for someone, you can choose the Short-Stay car park
Short-Stay car park includes:
- Blue Car Park: Closet to the terminal, offers up to 30 minutes for £10.
- Green Car Park: Slightly further away from the terminal, offers up to 1 hour for £18.
- Orange Car Park: A bit farther away from the terminal, offers up to 2 hours for £22.
- £35 for up to 4 hours in any of the above.
The £7 drop-off charge is a more economical option for the quick 15-minute drop-offs, but if you anticipate needing more time, the Short Stay car park option could be more convenient
However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, you can choose the Mid-Stay car park where the charges are as follows.
- Free for the first 60 minutes.
- £5 for the next hour.
- If your stay exceeds 2 hours, you will be charged the full day rate of £45 for 24 hours.
Do PCO Drivers Pay Different Drop-Off Charges Compared to Regular Drivers?
The fee is the same for every driver entering the express drop-off zone at Stansted Airport, which is £7 for 15 minutes. However, PCO drivers can include the fee in the ride fare. Some ride-sharing apps automatically include the drop-off charges in the ride fare, and some do not. Therefore, it is better to inform the passenger upfront to avoid any conflicts or misunderstandings.
Are there any Peak-Time Fees at Drop-Off Zones?
There are no additional peak time fees at the drop-off zone. Whether you are using the area in the quiet morning hours or during the rush hours of evening, the same £7 fee applies all the time.
However, while peak hour fees aren’t a problem, the drivers must still be aware of the time limit, which is 15 minutes for £7. Overstaying can result in hefty fines.
Is Stansted Drop-Off Charge Refundable?
The Stansted drop-off charge is non-refundable. Once the ANPR cameras have detected your car, you must pay the £7 fee, whether you stay for a single minute or a full 15 minutes.
The drop-off fee is designed to keep things smooth at the airport. It’s not a parking fee. It’s a service charge that you must pay for using the express drop-off zone. And once paid, it’s final.
Conclusion
Stansted Airport is undoubtedly a great opportunity for PCO drivers. However, they have to pay a £7 fee every time they use the Express Set Down Zone. Mostly, the fee is included in passengers’ fares, but you have to be mindful of how long you have to stay in the zone as the passenger will only be paying the £7 fee, all the other fines will be coming out of your own pocket. So, It’s important to communicate with the passenger about the expected drop-off duration to avoid any unexpected costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drop off passengers at Stansted without paying?
Yes, it’s possible to drop off passengers at Stansted without paying. You will have to use Mid Stay Car Park to avoid the drop-off fees.
What is the cheapest way to leave Stansted Airport?
The cheapest way to leave Stansted airport is by national express coach. To get the best price, make sure you book your ticket well ahead of time.
Can I pick up passengers outside of Stansted terminal?
Yes, you can pick up passengers outside of Stansted terminal. The places designated for this purpose are Express Set Down Lane and the Short Stay Car Park. Charges apply.
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