Motoring group the RAC has described drop-off and pick-up charges at UK airports as 'eye-watering', saying some have doubled over the past year.

The company's research found eight of the top 20 UK airports had increased pick-up fees, while five airports had raised charges for drivers dropping passengers off.

Stansted is the most expensive UK airport for drop-off charges, with prices up 50p to £3.50 for 10 minutes in the past year.

Liverpool John Lennon increased drop-off fees by 50%, from £2 for 20 minutes to £3 for 30 minutes, while Birmingham doubled its charge from £1 to £2 for 10 minutes.

Glasgow scrapped its free drop-off charge in April and introduced a £2 for 10-minute charge, while Southampton also introduced a fee, of £1 for 10-minutes.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: "The eye-watering drop-off and pick-up costs at some airports is likely to be viewed by drivers as another way of making money out of them - particularly in instances where public transport to and from the airport simply isn't a viable option.

"Drop-off charges are the biggest bone of contention, as for many they appear severe when they are simply pulling up for less than five minutes and often don't even get out of the car themselves."

For pick ups, Luton airport is the most expensive, charging £7 for 40 minutes; Stansted charges £5 for 30 minutes, Gatwick charges £3.50.

London City airport raised fees by £1, to £3.50 for a 10-minute stop, while Southampton and Cardiff airports both introduced pick up charges of £1 for 10 minutes, having previously charged nothing for the first 10 or 20 minutes respectively.

Belfast City, Leeds Bradford and Liverpool John Lennon currently offer free short-stay parking for pick ups.

The Airport Operators Association said charges were clearly flagged up and passengers have a 'high level of awareness of the different ways they can choose to get to the airport, ranging from public transport to travelling by car'.

Courtesy of Travelmole