London Stansted today announced it is to introduce a new barrierless system for vehicles dropping off passengers at its Express Set Down (ESD) area as part of the airport’s £1.1bn transformation programme.
The new technology will be managed through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems like that already in use at the Dartford Crossing and will come into operation in late January 2025.
The switch to a new barrier-free ESD system is aimed at enhancing the overall experience for both drivers and passengers by streamlining the drop-off process. By removing the existing barriers, drivers will pass through more smoothly without the need to stop on exit, helping reduce congestion and improving traffic flow.
The ESD charge will need to be paid by midnight the day after making the drop-off, either online or by phone. No payments will be able to be made when exiting the area. Frequent users, including taxi drivers, will be able to register for an auto-pay account with full registration details available in the new year, while discounts for eligible local residents will be unaffected by the change.
There will be prominent signage in the ESD area to remind drivers of the new system once it is introduced.