Airport drop off charges - is this right?

moneypenny2k

Hi all, after dropping off at 5am at Southend airport I failed to notice the drop off charges and have received a pcn.

However, just the day before I was scrolling aimlessly and came across this reel on insta which says there is a way out by refusing to name the driver. His response was for Manchester, I'm wondering if it's the same for Southend and is it legit? Thanks in advance

He quotes a response email as follows:-

I am the registered keeper of the above vehicle and I am appealing these Parking Charge Notices as keeper.

The location is subject to Manchester Airport byelaws. As such, Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 does not apply and there is no keeper liability in this matter.

I decline to name the driver and I am under no legal obligation to do so.

In addition, the signage at the terminal drop-off area is inadequate and fails to clearly inform drivers of the requirement to pay online following a significant change from the previous barrier payment system. No on-site payment facilities were available.

For the above reasons, these charges must be cancelled.

Please confirm cancellation in writing

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVWjz6pAJzp/

I'm wondering if anyone can confirm or deny if this is true?

Gr1pr

Its true, but alter the location details to suit

Study the group threads for Heathrow, Gatwick, Bristol, Manchester etc on here

Coupon-mad

Obviously it works every time.

Jeez I hate Instagram but at least that appalling twaddle brought you here!

Read the Airport Drop off group thread (which we won't link). Easy peasy. Never fails.

moneypenny2k

Thanks for the replies guys. I can't find one simple tread for airport drop offs so I'm posting here. This is the response I got, what do I do? Ignore, respond or pay?

Re: Parking Charge Notice Number VCS24106296 - Vehicle: xxxxxxxx

Site: Southend Airport Post Code: SS2 6YF

Contravention Date: 04/03/2026

We refer to your appeal in respect of the above Charge Notice (CN) received on 23/03/2026.

Having considered the points you have raised and reviewed our records, we are unable to accept your appeal. Our main reason(s) for this decision are as follows:

The signs at the entrance to Southend Airport and the access roads within, clearly state "No Stopping", giving clear notice that the land is private property and that a Charge of £100 will be levied if vehicles do stop. The above detailed vehicle stopped in a zone where stopping is prohibited and the driver became liable to pay the advertised Charge. In your appeal it is unclear who the driver was when your vehicle was seen to be stopped on the access road/bus stop.

You state that our Notice is not compliant with the Protection Of Freedoms Act (POFA) 2012 on the Notice issued to you; however we have not cited POFA 2012 nor stated that you are liable for the Charge as the vehicle keeper. It is important we highlight that we will continue to pursue this matter on the reasonable assumption that you were the driver of the vehicle on the date in question until information/evidence to the contrary is provided.

A review of our CCTV evidence has confirmed that on the date in question, your vehicle [dropped off/stopped to drop off] [a passenger/passengers] in an area where this is strictly prohibited. As stated, the signs near to the location your vehicle was observed clearly stated "No Stopping" and warned that if you did so, you were liable for the Charge advertised.

There are numerous high profile signs advising drivers of the Terms and Conditions on site, and advising that if the Terms and Conditions are not adhered to, a charge of £100 is payable. The signs exceed recognised industry standards, have been audited by the International Parking Community and have been deemed fit for purpose. Signs are positioned on entry and throughout the airport site; they are reflective (to ensure visibility in periods of darkness or poor visibility) and positioned to face oncoming vehicles and the text size used is relative to the average approach speed of a vehicle in relation to the speed limit in force at that location. It is a motorist's sole responsibility to ensure they adhere to the Terms and Conditions clearly displayed, and leave site if they are unable to do so.

We have fully reviewed this case and we are satisfied that the Charge Notice was correctly issued. We are unable to accept the mitigating circumstances raised in your representations, your appeal is therefore rejected and the Charge will stand; photographic evidence which supports this can be viewed at www.myparkingcharge.co.uk.

Coupon-mad

Yes you can find it.

Have another look. It's been replied on today, so you only need to look down page one…

kryten3000

Since this is a VCS charge there's no further appeal, just ignore them until they send a Letter of Claim then come back here.