Airports choose APT's toll style pay stations for drop-off and pick-up zones

Issues with controlling large numbers of passengers being picked up or dropped off at two of London’s major airports have been solved by a new toll-style payment solution from APT SkiData, the UK’s leading parking systems business.

At London Luton, drivers who enter the new Priority Drop Off and Pick Up Zone are monitored via the latest Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology from APT SkiData, which is in turn integrated with the company’s Express.Cash system. As the vehicles exit via one of four lanes, a fixed-fee payment is facilitated either in a ‘toll’ style bucket, or via credit/debit card. The new system is networked within London Luton’s existing parking infrastructure that allows for central monitoring, auditing and reporting of all parking systems on site.

Kevin Midgley, Car Parks and Ground Transport Manager at London Luton Airport, is pleased with the impact the Express.Cash system is having: “The investment the Airport has made in the new hassle free payment system has smoothed the flow of vehicles in and around the Priority Drop Off and Pick-Up Zone and offers an improved service to passengers.” he commented.

A similar barrier-less system has also now been installed at London Stansted to manage more than 5,000 vehicles dropping off or picking up every day. At this site APT Skidata has further developed the applications software to charge a fee according to the vehicle’s time within the drop and collect zone. The fee is calculated to the second from data being exchanged with the ANPR server, confirming both the vehicle’s entry and exit time.

Kevin Day, Head of Travel Services at Stansted Airport, says despite a tight deadline following the Olympics, the installation was completed in 12 weeks: “The new scheme is working well and we are pleased with the way the new system is working.”

Product technology comprises the Express.Cash that has been fully integrated with the existing site-wide APT Skidata Parking Control System, allowing the Airport’s management team to change configuration timingsand tariffs without recourse to APT Skidata.

The compact, free-standing Express.Cash has push-button keys that have been ergonomically designed for easy use from a car, and integrates seamlessly with ANPR technology to provide a ‘virtual’ e-ticket as required. Connected as a standard IP device within the parking facility, Express.Cash terminals are controlled, monitored and audited by APT Skidata’s proven Park.Logic software suite.

Express.Cash makes perfect sense for places like airports, rail and transport interchange pick-ups and drop-offs that see a heavy flow of traffic says Nigel Young, Sales Director of APT Skidata: “Both airports are now benefitting from a more consistent flow of vehicles, and customers are now experiencing a much more efficient process, making the whole experience of being dropped off and picked up from the dedicated areas much more stress free,” he says.