In an attempt to reduce traffic congestion at Manchester Airport bosses have announced that drivers picking up and dropping off family and friends will face being fined if they do not do so in designated areas. The drop-off zones will remain free, but police will now issue on the spot fines to motorists who use restricted areas.

One of the areas which will no longer be available to waiting drivers is the airport’s petrol station. Managers claim that up to 20 vehicles at a time use the forecourt as a way of bending the waiting rules.

Airport bosses have submitted an application for a traffic order which will allow them to include the roads surrounding the airport in their exclusion zone. According to a spokeswoman for the airport this will help to increase security, reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic.

She added that most drivers understood why they needed to move their vehicles and that the new rules were aimed at discouraging persistent offenders who use areas such as petrol stations in which to park their cars. Permit-holders and authorised vehicles will still be granted access to the airport roads as will black cabs.

Some private-hire companies are objecting to the new regulations saying they could potentially damage their businesses. Hotel Secure Parking manager, Lee Crellin, said companies such as his were responsible for employing around 200 people and that forcing drivers to use the short-stay car parks will be financially detrimental. He added that the situation could cause chaos during the busy summer months.