Don’t get caught out in these new parking rules at this major UK airport
March 06, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Birmingham Airport (BHX) is rolling out a new parking system from 18 March. Find out how you could be affected.
The new system will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology which means barriers will be removed. The airport is confident that this change will significantly ease vehicle flow and tackle congestion at peak times.
Now that there’s no more barrier, drivers must not forget to pay the relevant parking/drop-off tariff within 24 hours of leaving the car park.
Payments can be handled in advance through Autopay, which automatically deducts the fee after exiting the car park. There’s also the option to post-payment at home or to pay at the usual on-site payment machines.
Nikki Bains, head of Planning, Transport and Strategy at Birmingham Airport said: “The new barrier-free system will simplify passenger drop-offs, enhance vehicular surface access by offering a smoother and faster experience.
“By minimising waiting times for drivers, it will enhance traffic flow and improve efficiency across the area.”
Current prices at Birmingham Airport include the Premium Drop Down site which is £6 for 0-15 mins, £11 for 15-20 minutes, and £17 for 20-25 minutes.
The airport hopes the reduction of queues within the Premium Set Down and drop-off area will reduce carbon emissions and impacts to air quality.
“This further supports the airport’s drive to become Net Zero Carbon by 2033 and its existing plans to manage and reduce air quality,” Bains said.
“Further information about the project, as well as how to register for AutoPay, will be made available to our customers soon.”
The new system will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology which means barriers will be removed. The airport is confident that this change will significantly ease vehicle flow and tackle congestion at peak times.
Now that there’s no more barrier, drivers must not forget to pay the relevant parking/drop-off tariff within 24 hours of leaving the car park.
Payments can be handled in advance through Autopay, which automatically deducts the fee after exiting the car park. There’s also the option to post-payment at home or to pay at the usual on-site payment machines.
Nikki Bains, head of Planning, Transport and Strategy at Birmingham Airport said: “The new barrier-free system will simplify passenger drop-offs, enhance vehicular surface access by offering a smoother and faster experience.
“By minimising waiting times for drivers, it will enhance traffic flow and improve efficiency across the area.”
Current prices at Birmingham Airport include the Premium Drop Down site which is £6 for 0-15 mins, £11 for 15-20 minutes, and £17 for 20-25 minutes.
The airport hopes the reduction of queues within the Premium Set Down and drop-off area will reduce carbon emissions and impacts to air quality.
“This further supports the airport’s drive to become Net Zero Carbon by 2033 and its existing plans to manage and reduce air quality,” Bains said.
“Further information about the project, as well as how to register for AutoPay, will be made available to our customers soon.”
The most expensive UK airport car parks
| Airport | Cost (£) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| London Stansted | 7 | 0-15 mins |
| Manchester | 6.20 | 10 mins |
| Birmingham | 6 | 0-15 mins |
| London Heathrow | 6 | 0-15 mins |
| Edinburgh | 6 | 10 mins |
| London Gatwick | 6 | 0-15 mins |
| Liverpool John Lennon | 6 | 10 mins |
| London Luton | 5 | 5 mins |
| Glasgow | 5.50 | 0-15 mins |
| Newcastle | 5 | 10 mins |
| Cardiff | 3 | 10 mins |
| London City | Free | 0-15 mins |
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