00:00I think it's disgraceful because you don't need to have that amount of money for people to drop off.
00:10Yeah, in fairness, I think the service we get from Birmingham Airport's improved.
00:13I was there recently and the sort of exchange from checking in to going through the security area
00:20was actually really swift and sharp.
00:21In terms of the drop-off charges, they're really excessive.
00:25Yeah, I think it's definitely too high now for such a short time.
00:28It wouldn't put me off, but it does grieve you to pay.
00:31It does just have that little bit of enjoyment after the start of your holiday,
00:34thinking you've been overcharged, just a high rate to park a car, drop somebody off.
00:38Well, those are the views of people here in Birmingham,
00:41and some are clearly unhappy with the prices they are paying and the service they feel they are getting.
00:47Now, Birmingham Airport is unusual.
00:49If you're unhappy with those prices or service, there isn't another airport here in the region you can simply choose
00:55instead.
00:55It's a commercial business, but vital infrastructure also for the West Midlands.
01:00And the seven local councils still collectively own 49%.
01:04The latest controversy is the premium set-down charge, now £8 for up to 15 minutes.
01:10The airport says there's still a three 10-minute drop-off around 400 metres from the terminal,
01:16while blue badge holders can get up to 30 minutes free in premium set-down.
01:20It says the charges help manage congestion and air quality and support investment.
01:25The whole issue is, of course, it was sold off primarily to give money to the local councils who own
01:30the airport,
01:31so that was a nice income stream.
01:33But, of course, it's in the hands of a private organisation.
01:35And private organisation, they want to get the maximum from their asset, as it were.
01:39So I think the airport was always looking for more creative ways, if you like, to make money.
01:45And so the drop-off charge for the car parts, it seems to be sort of extortionate.
01:50I've heard some horror stories of people who argue about this.
01:52And, of course, the meat, if you like, is ticking all the time.
01:55So there are difficulties.
01:58And I think that, as I say, something needs to be done.
02:00But, of course, it's a private concern.
02:02It answers to its shareholders, not to the public.
02:05And the only way, of course, the public can vote is by their fate and not using it.
02:08Not really realistic, I suspect.
02:10Well, Birmingham TV put a series of detailed questions to Birmingham Airport.
02:14And, in fairness, they answered them.
02:16The airport says the £8 charge is in line with other airports and helps manage traffic.
02:21And that free alternative remains available.
02:23It points to a £300 million investment programme and says average security waits are now under 50 minutes.
02:31On the baggage problems, it says the failure was isolated and has apologised and says normal operations have resumed.
02:37It also points to the thousands of jobs and billions of pounds it says the airport contributes to the West
02:43Midlands economy.
02:44So there are two sides.
02:45The airport says it's investing heavily and charging what it needs to operate and grow.
02:49But passengers are entitled to ask whether rising charges are matched by the service they receive.
02:55Judging by some of the people we've spoken to, the debate is far from over.
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