Everything You Need to Know About Gatwick Airport Drop Off Charge
Gatwick is one of the busiest airports in the UK, which makes it an ideal spot for PCO drivers to find rides consistently. However, the airport has a drop-off charge in specific zones. Every driver, whether PCO or not, using those zones must pay that charge. As a PCO driver, it’s important that you understand the charge system to navigate the airport confidently.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Gatwick drop-off charge so you can avoid any surprises. Let’s dive in.
What is Gatwick Drop-off Charge?
Gatwick drop off charge is a fee that you have to pay for using the airport’s Express drop off zones (North and South Terminals). It is a £6 fee that you have to pay for staying in the zone for 10 minutes. If you stay longer, you will have to pay £1 for every additional minute. You can stay in the zones for a maximum of 30 minutes for £26.
This may seem a small amount at first, but if you are a frequent user of drop-off zones, the fees can pile up quickly.
How to Pay Gatwick Drop-Off Charge?
Paying a Gatwick drop-off charge is a simple process. You can pay the charge in three ways:
AutoPay: The first and most convenient method is AutoPay. To pay through this method, you will need to create an AutoPay account and provide your vehicle and bank details. After successful account creation, the fee will be deducted from your account automatically every time you use the North or South terminal. This method is ideal for frequent users as it eliminates the risk of forgetting to pay.
Online: Don’t want to open an AutoPay account? You can also pay through an online portal. This method requires you to provide your credit/debit card details with your vehicle registration number.
Here’s how the process works:
- Visit Gatwick Airport’s drop-off payment page.
- Provide your vehicle details. You will be shown how much charge you need to pay.
- Make the payment using your debit or credit card.
Phone: You can pay the Gatwick charge by phone as well. This method requires you to dial 0330 174 4503. You don’t need to speak to anyone. It is an automated payment line which walks you through the process step by step.
During the call, you will need to provide your credit/debit card details along with your vehicle registration number. Once your details are recognised, the payment will be processed and you are good to go.
Can I Drop Off Passengers for Free at Gatwick?
It’s possible to drop off passengers for free at Gatwick. The airport has Long Stay Car Parks at both North and South terminals, which you can use for free for up to 2 hours. However, these zones are located a bit further away from the terminals so passengers will have to use a shuttle service. The shuttle service is available 24/7 so it won’t be a big deal for passengers who aren’t in a hurry.
These zones are typically used by PCO drivers to minimise their expenses. After all, there are fuel costs and PCO car hire fees. Paying the drop-off fee when you use the airport regularly can take a massive chunk out of your profits.
Are There Any Fines if I Don’t Pay the Gatwick Drop-Off Charge?
You must pay the fee by midnight the day after you use the airport’s Express drop-off zones. Failing to pay the fee within this period will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £100, which can be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. However, if you don’t pay the fine within 14 days, the fine will go back up to £100. If you delay further, the airport may ask an agency to collect the fine, which could affect your credit score or reputation.
Therefore, it’s best that you pay the fine within the given timeframes through the methods we mentioned above.
Is it Possible to Contest the PCN?
Yes, it’s possible to contest the PCN if you can prove that it was issued due to an error or you paid the fee on time, but the system failed to register it. However, remember that while contesting PCN, the deadlines for paying the fines don’t go away. This means if you wait for more than 14 days while contesting the PCN, you will have to pay the full £100 fine in case your appeal is denied.
Therefore, it’s better to always pay the fine within 14 days. This way, you will only be paying £60 if you lose the case, and if you win, you will get your money back.
Conclusion
Gatwick drop-off charge is mandatory for everyone using the airport’s Express drop-off zone. Not paying the fee can lead to hefty fines. Therefore, it’s important that you understand the system and pay the fee on time.
If you want to avoid paying the fee, try using Long Stay Car Parks as you can use these zones for up to two hours without paying a single penny. So, make sure you are using the airport wisely to keep your expenses low.
If you need a large taxi, like a 6 seater taxi to Gatwick Airport, we at Airport Direct Transfer are here to provide this service.
