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Driver fined despite paying Manchester Airport drop-off fee

Eric Rathbone received a £100 fine after mistakenly paying for Heathrow instead.

August 1, 2025 at 12:41 PM

'I paid the Manchester Airport drop-off fee and was still fined £100'

A grandfather experiences frustrating fines after paying drop-off fees at Manchester Airport.

Complaint rises over Manchester Airport drop-off fines

Eric Rathbone, a 70-year-old grandfather, recently faced a £100 fine from Manchester Airport after making a payment intended for Heathrow Airport. In May, he dropped his son off at Terminal 3 and spent only a few minutes in the drop-off zone. Despite promptly paying a £6 fee over the phone, he was shocked to receive a fine a week later. Rathbone stated that the payment process did not offer an option for Manchester Airport, leading to significant confusion. In an effort to appeal the fine, he has spent months gathering evidence, including bank statements, to prove that he paid. While APCOA, the parking firm, acknowledged the payment confusion, they confirmed that it was indeed for a different location. Rathbone expressed frustration with the lack of clear signage at the airport, stating that many drivers might find themselves in a similar situation.

Key Takeaways

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The fine was imposed after a payment was mistakenly made for another airport.

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Eric Rathbone has faced difficulties in appealing the fine.

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Many drivers are unaware of the payment system changes.

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Clear signage at drop-off locations is essential for customer satisfaction.

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The appeal process can be lengthy and frustrating for users.

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Public complaints may lead to increased scrutiny on airport policies.

"It’s a nightmare, we can understand why so many people are complaining."

Rathbone reflects on the widespread frustration among drivers about unclear payment processes.

"Even there, you haven’t got time to go and look for signs because they’ll fine you."

Rathbone expresses his frustration over inadequate signage at the airport.

This incident highlights a growing concern among drivers regarding the clarity of parking fee systems at airports. As travel becomes more frequent, issues such as these may lead to significant public backlash against airport management and associated companies. The lack of adequate signage could not only confuse drivers but may also generate revenue through unfair fines. It is a reminder of the importance of transparent communication from airport authorities and the need for user-friendly payment systems to prevent dissatisfaction among travelers.