There were mixed reactions yesterday as taxi drivers passed on the £1 drop-off charge at Aberdeen International Airport to their passengers for the first time.
The fee was introduced by airport bosses in January – prompting an angry backlash from some cabbies, who ended up paying the money out of their own pockets.
Administered by German firm Apcoa, the system allows cars onto the forecourt for 10 minutes, with a barrier set up so motorists can pay on exit.
In March councillors agreed to pass on the surcharge to customers – rather than make drivers stump up.
Cabbies welcomed the change yesterday.
Ron Miller said: “I’ve spent more than £400 out of my own pocket since it was brought in. The council knew it would be like this so why did they wait so long to introduce it?
“Most of the customers don’t mind an extra £1, or even notice it, especially since so many are paid for by their companies.
“Aberdeen is already the most expensive place in the UK to be a driver so it just seems unfair we would have to pay this too.”
His views were echoed by fellow driver Donald Robertson, who has spent 15 years behind the wheel.
He said: “The charge is just another way for the airport to make even more money.
“We have to pass it on. It’s a shame but we can’t be expected to pay it all.”
However, passengers were less impressed, with some saying it was “unfair” to pass the charge on.
Vincent Manley, who was returning to London after a work trip to Aberdeen, said: “Obviously it’s an increase in the cost to the passenger.
“Given the financial situation in the country you’d think they’d do all they could to keep fares down.”
Oil and gas worker Guy Phillips said: “I did notice the extra charge today. I don’t think it’s fair to pay more when I have to use the airport for work.”
Offshore worker Callum Macleod said: “I take the bus because taxis are too expensive here anyway, but it does seem unfair to pass on the cost to the passenger.”
An airport spokesman said: “We had a lot of comments on the charge when it first came into play but now I think people generally accept it.
“We have a lot of people coming to and from the airport so after the first few times it becomes second nature.”