"In the interest of public safety this congestion needs to be alleviated so we have made a decision to reduce the free parking time back to 15 minutes. This should still provide sufficient time for the majority of people dropping off or picking up visitors to not incur a charge while at the same time improve the parking turnover."
People reacting to the announcement on social media yesterday were not impressed, citing concerns with what that would mean if flights were delayed due to events that were not in their control.
One person, reacting on Facebook, said the change was "definitely something to moan about".
"I've been caught twice in past month with delayed or cancelled flights plus needing to have unaccompanied minor there early. Each time $6."
However, Ian Maclean, from Napier, said 15 minutes was a fair amount of time for free parking, when compared to other airports.
"It's a pretty fair deal I reckon. I was up in Auckland three weeks a go, and 20 minutes there cost me $15."
Airport commercial manager Dean Smith Parking pointed out that fees remained unchanged.
A comprehensive review of the carpark's design, safety, payment technology, pricing and operational policies was also being conducted, in line with the terminal redevelopment.
"We're reviewing our master plan at the moment, in line with the increased number of passengers that we've had and the car park will be an important piece of that process," he said.
The airport has a no-waiting policy in the drop-off zone, regardless of whether or not
the vehicle is attended. This is not only to ensure public safety but also security of
vehicles left unattended. Any vehicle breaching this policy will be liable for a fine.
