Background: Money-maker plan that ignored wrath of MSPs

A Scotsman poll of MSPs showed near unanimous opposition to the scheme, which came in stark contrast to Glasgow airport also upgrading its terminal drop-off zone – but keeping it free of charge.

Edinburgh pressed ahead with the charge despite failing to secure the support of the Scottish Government, and divisions within the airport’s management about its merits – especially the potential reputational damage.

The £1 charge was introduced on 29 October and appears to have raised slightly more revenue than forecast, but not reduced “kiss and fly”.

This is seen as the most environmentally-damaging way of passengers to travel to and from the airport because it involves up to four vehicle trips.

It is thought the charge is largely regarded as an irritant by passengers, who benefit from a congestion-free drop-off point out of the wind and rain.

However, they also have to fork out if travelling by taxi after cabbies won the right to add the charge to the fare.

While most travellers just pay the basic £1 a trip, the scheme has already become a significant revenue generator for the airport, which is being squeezed by airlines demanding lower charges, and rising taxes such as air passenger duty, which are said to have reduced passenger numbers.

However, the new drop-off zone has also provided drivers picking up passengers with an unpublicised potential saving.

Its £1-for-ten minutes charge compares favourably with the adjacent short-stay car park, normally used for pick-ups, whose minimum charge is £2.10 for 15 minutes.

The airport was unable to say how many vehicles were using the drop-off zone for pick-ups – which is legitimate – but said it had reduced overall parking income.

A spokesman said it had responded to complaints about some motorists mistakenly driving into the adjacent FastTrack car park – which costs £26 – by making signs clearer.

He added that drop-off zone staff were also attempting to prevent vehicles “bunching” around parking spaces just inside the zone by directing motorists to other spaces which are equally close to the terminal but near the zone exit.