Yet more confusion over airport drop-off charge

JUST two weeks into the unfolding saga of the proposed £1 drop-off charge at Edinburgh airport and another reason has emerged for its introduction, until now not made public.

First, we were told that it was a measure to cut carbon emissions. Such a justification from an airport operator was extraordinary. Then came an explanation that appeared to suggest that the impost was meant to act as a congestion charge to cut down on the crowded confusion outside the airport entrance. Since a recent reconfiguration of traffic in this area has contributed to the congestion, it would surely be more equitable if the airport charged itself.

Now inquiries by The Scotsman have found that Edinburgh airport chiefs were split over the planned 1 charge and that the plan was approved in the knowledge that it would be too low to deter drivers and thus effectively become a tax to boost the airport's flagging income. Whatever the reason, the latest revelations will not at all help the airport operator's case and further swell support for the online petition organised by Gavin Brown, MSP, which has already attracted more than 2,000 signatures.

If the airport is suffering from declining passenger revenues due to cost considerations, it seems highly unlikely that slapping on a 1 charge at the entrance is going to woo travellers back.