PRIVATE hire drivers have condemned Leeds Bradford Airport bosses for a “ridiculous” parking price increase.

Drivers now have to pay £3 instead of £2 to drop off or pick up outside the main terminal building for up to 30 minutes – a 50 per cent hike on the current rate.

The airport defended the rise by pointing to a free 60-minute parking zone it has a “three-to-four” minute walk away.

But Mazar Iqbal, of Hackney Carriage Owners and Drivers Association, said: “It is absolutely ridiculous.

“I go to drop off – and in-and-out for £3 is ridiculous.

“You are just popping in and popping out. A drop-off is about two minutes, a pick-up is about five minutes. If they allowed us just five minutes in and out, that would be fair play.”

Mr Iqbal also said drivers’ “hands are tied” because customers were asking to be dropped off on the entrance road outside the terminal to avoid paying the charge.

“When you drop outside, that is against the law,” said Mr Iqbal. “And they [the airport] are making drivers do that.

“We understand we cannot drop them there, but that is what the customer wants. Our hands are tied.”

He continued: “They should give ten minutes to taxis and five minutes to everyone else. They are forcing us to drop people off outside.

“I will get the points and get fined for that, but if a customer asks to be dropped off outside what can you do?”

Shabir Ahmed, of Keighley and Bradford Taxi Drivers’ Association, said: “They should not charge anyone for just dropping off – it should be free.

“We are giving them customers.

“Why should you have to pay for just dropping off, for between a couple of minutes and five minutes?”

A spokesman for Leeds Bradford Airport responded to the opposition to the plan, saying: “Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has introduced a dedicated 100-space Free One Hour Parking Zone located in the premium Mid-Stay Car Park area a short three-to-four minutes walk from the main terminal entrance.

“The facility is clearly signposted on entering the airport, and benefits from an upgraded walkway for pedestrians and a dedicated and convenient new entrance from Whitehouse Lane.

“The Free One Hour Parking Zone provides all passengers with the option to drop off and pick up free of charge for stays of up to 60 minutes.

“Normal car park charges apply for longer stays. Full details of this and all official car parks are on our website leedsbradfordairport.co.uk.”