Stansted Airport takes inspiration from Dartford Crossing with new express charging system
Stansted Airport will introduce a barrierless system for motorists dropping off passengers at its Express Set Down (ESD) area.
The new technology, part of the airport’s £1.1 billion transformation programme, will be managed through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR).
The system, like that already in use for tolls at the Dartford Crossing, will come into operation in late January.
The new system aims to streamline the drop-off process. By removing the barriers, drivers will not need to stop as they exit, helping to reduce congestion and improving traffic flow.
The ESD charge – currently £7 for up to 15 minutes – must be paid by midnight the day after making the drop-off, either online or by phone. No payments will be able to be made when exiting the area.
Frequent users, including taxi drivers, will be able to register for an auto-pay account with full registration details available in the new year.
Discounts for eligible residents who live within 10 miles of the airport will be unaffected by the change. Currently, those living within five miles pay 50p and those who reside between five and 10 miles away pay £1 for up to 15 minutes.
The airport is promising prominent signage in the ESD area to remind drivers of the new system once it is introduced.
Anita Harrison, Stansted’s operations director, said: “We recently announced our five-year £1.1bn investment programme that will deliver wide-ranging benefits at every touchpoint of a passenger’s journey while at the airport, and this initiative is an example of our commitment to enhance the travel experience at London Stansted.
“The new barrierless system we will introduce in the new year will make dropping off passengers quicker and more convenient, reducing driver waiting times and helping improve passenger flows.
“We have seen these systems work effectively at other airports and in other settings, such as bridges, toll roads and tunnels, and that is why we are confident it will improve the overall experience for users.
“Full details of the new system will be available on our website early in 2025, with new signage also displayed in the ESD area advising users of the pending changes, but it’s important to raise awareness now so drivers have advanced notice of the improvements we are bringing in.”
