Commenting ahead of a members’ business debate on the drop-off charge at Edinburgh Airport, Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh West Margaret Smith said:

“This is an unfair and unnecessary charge.

“I am most concerned about the significant impact this charge will have on disabled and older passengers who may well struggle with the reduced accessibility.

“There are also people from all over Edinburgh and the Lothians who do not have direct public transport links to the airport, so they have to be dropped off in a car. They should not be penalised every time they do this.

“I have raised my concerns with management at Edinburgh Airport and will continue to press for the charges not to be introduced. I hope that political consensus in the Scottish Parliament will cause BAA Edinburgh to think again.”