Dad “treated like criminal” over 15-second airport pick-up

Friday 25 August 2023

A local dad has hit out at Ports of Jersey over its new airport parking policy after being “treated like a criminal” when he picked up his daughter near airport arrivals.

Responding to what it has described as "worrying driving" by a minority of road-users, Ports of Jersey has brought in new road safety measures at the airport which also include a lower speed limit, additional speed bumps and warning lights.

But the move has drawn criticism from some drivers who have been received fines from the Parish of St Peter, who believe the policy has been poorly communicated and that the signage in the area is not sufficient.

John Deans from Trinity said that motorists had been in the habit of picking up waiting passengers near the arrivals bus stop, and was taken aback when he received notice of a £100 fine earlier this month.

He said: “I collected my daughter, who was ready and waiting – I didn't even get out of the car and can't have been stationary for more than 10 or 15 seconds.”

After querying the fine, Mr Deans said he was asked to attend the Parish Hall, where he said he was “treated like a criminal” in being told that he was under caution as he addressed officials.

Pictured: "I didn't even get out of the car and can't have been stationary for more than 10 or 15 seconds," Mr Dean said.

Mr Deans, whose fine was eventually reduced to £60, criticised Ports of Jersey for what he says was “inadequate” signage regarding parking at the airport, and for the failure to publicise the new approach.

He was not the only driver left feeling aggrieved – another told Express that he had received a fine when he picked up his disabled mother from a delayed flight.

A spokesperson for the airport said there was signage adjacent to the bus stop, adding: “Traffic wardens have tried moving people along when they find them parking illegally, but this approach has not been successful, so traffic patrols have been increased and Ports of Jersey is working with parish honorary police to discourage illegal parking, which puts other airport users at risk.”

Other elements of the new approach include:

• reducing the speed limit from 20mph to 15mph;
• adding speed bumps near pedestrian crossings; and
• adding new lights at 'Belisha beacon' crossings.

Head of Security Maria Le Tiec said: “We have seen some worrying driving around the airport site, and we want to ensure the safety of all our passengers, so we have introduced several new measures to ensure people can make their way safely from the car parks, bicycle parks and bus stops to the terminals.

“We have erected new signage to make people aware of the changes, and staff will be available to remind motorists of the new regulations – we want everyone to enjoy a pleasant journey through the airport and these measures will help to ensure our road network is safe for all.”

Passengers have been reminded that the bays adjacent to the departure lounge should only be used by drivers during drop-offs, and that those who were picking up friends or relatives could use the long-stay car park without charge for up to half an hour, with payment by card possible on exit for those staying beyond this limit.