I’m incredibly proud of the success of Manchester Airport, not least of all because it was developed largely by the ten Greater Manchester councils and more recently together with private investors who have invested in the new terminal. That has created a significant international hub which connects us to all parts of the world.
But it’s important to be transparent on parking income as the Manchester Evening News report an estimated £189m of the revenue came from parking charges, up by £20m, and includes income from late payment fees.
There is a big difference between parking which people plan for and accept the cost of, the more controversial barrier free drop off and pick up charges which doesn’t allow onsite payment, only online payments after the fact, and the hidden income from fines and penalties which the airport still refuses to publish.
There is a public interest in transparency and in making the system much fairer for visitors.
I’ll continue to call for this and I’ll be urging all Greater Manchester councils to use their shareholding to bring about change.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 