The Gatwick drop-off charge was introduced in March 2021. As of 2023 the current drop-off charge is £5 for 10 minutes and then £1 for each additional minute up to 20 minutes. There is a maximum charge of £25 for a 30 minutes maximum stay. This charge applies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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Gatwick Drop-Off Payment
The Gatwick drop-off payment must be done online or via an auto-pay account. You have up until midnight the following day to pay the charge.
Gatwick Drop-Off Charge For Blue Badge Holders
If you are a blue badge holder, you are exempt from the Gatwick drop-off charge. You just need to provide the airport with the registration of the vehicle you are using.
This exemption is valid for a 30 minute drop-off session. You select a three hour window to use the 30 minute session in. You can’t leave your vehicle unattended within the drop-off zones.
Local Residents Discount Scheme
If you live within the postcodes RH11 0, RH6 0 and RH6 9 you are eligible for the Local Commuter Scheme. This scheme provides you with two free visits per day to the South Terminal Drop-Off Zone for £50 a year. Each household may register up to two vehicles.
In order to sign up for the Local Commuter Scheme you will need to provide your name, address, vehicle registration and proof of address.
How Long Can You Stay At Gatwick Drop-Off?
There is a maximum stay of 30 minutes which will cost £25.
There isn’t anything specific in their terms and conditions relating to what will happen if you go over the 30 minute maximum stay. However, the below quote is from their drop-off terms and conditions:
…comply with any instructions on the tariff board…and failure to do so will result in a Parking Charge Notice being issued.
Gatwick Drop-Off Charge Terms & Conditions
So it could be possible to receive a Gatwick Airport Drop-Off PCN if you go over the 30 minute maximum stay.
How To Avoid Gatwick Drop-Off Charge
You can avoid the Gatwick drop-off charge by using the Long Stay Car Parks at the airport. You can pick up and drop-off from there, and you can get up to two hours of free parking. It is then a free 20 minute shuttle bus to the terminal. Just follow the signs for North Terminal Long Stay or South Terminal Long Stay depending on where your passenger is flying from.
What Happens If You Forget To Pay The Gatwick Drop-Off Charge?
The drop-off zones at Gatwick Airport are currently operated by NCP. It is done via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. If you forget to pay the drop-off charge, you will receive a Parking Charge Notice from NCP. They request that you must pay the Parking Charge Notice within 28 days. The current charge is set at £100.
TLDR: Gatwick Drop-Off Charge
- Th charge applies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year;
- The Gatwick drop-off payment must be made via an auto-pay account or online;
- You can pay the drop-off charge in advance and have up until midnight the following day to pay it;
- Blue badge holders are exempt from the drop-off charge. The airport just need to be provided with the registration of the vehicle you are using;
- There is a Local Commuter Scheme for residents that live within the postcodes RH11 0, RH6 0 and RH6 9;
- A maximum stay of 30 minutes is allowed within the drop-off zones, which will cost you £25;
- You can get up to two hours of free parking at the Long Stay Car Parks to do drop-off and pick ups;
- If you forget to pay the drop-off charge, you will receive a Gatwick Airport Drop-Off PCN.