Express to unlock gridlock

The T2 pick-up and drop-off zone experiences significant congestion caused by vehicles using the T2 forecourt as a short stay car park rather than for the rapid passenger drop-off and pick-up activity that it is designed for.

The result is traffic gridlock and cars queuing for several hundred metres along the terminal access road and onto Airport Drive and Horrie Miller Road.

Perth Airport Chief Executive Officer Kevin Brown said to fix the problem for all airport users, the airport will introduce a new Express pick-up & drop-off system at T2.

“We are aiming to deliver an easy, efficient and seamless experience for everyone who visits Perth Airport,” Mr Brown said.

“We get constant complaints from the public about the congestion being caused at T2 by motorists who just ignore the time limits.

“Our traffic modelling shows that almost one in three vehicles is overstaying the permitted stay lengths, which leads to significant delays for passengers being picked up or dropped off from T2 and also restricts access to T1.

“This new enhanced system will ensure that those drivers who are doing the right thing will still have free and easy access to the T2 forecourt for a pick-up or drop-off.

“The system will automatically track individual vehicle movements so that if a vehicle is in and out within five minutes, there will be no charge.

“If a vehicle stays longer than the five minutes allowed to set down and pick up, a fee will be charged as it leaves the forecourt.

“If those people who are currently over-staying wish to avoid being charged, they simply need to change their routine and start using the one-hour free parking which is already available in all of our long-term car parks.

“While this system is a new concept for Perth Airport, it has been used successfully at airport forecourts around the world to improve traffic flow.”

Mr Brown said there is an easy way for motorists to ensure they can continue to pick-up passengers free of charge.

“Most motorists who come to T2 are there for a regular pick-up as the terminal is used by FIFO workers.

“Some motorists arrive early or right on the flight arrival time and then want to wait in the pick-up area until their passenger exits the terminal.

“Delays are caused when flights are either late or there is a hold-up with the passenger getting baggage.

“As a no-cost alternative we are urging those motorists to head straight to any of our long-term car parks where we already provide one hour of free parking.

“They can then wait for the flight to arrive and the passenger to collect their baggage, head to the kerbside and text them to come in.

“If everyone does the right thing, we can fix this problem for all travellers.”

Perth Airport will begin an extensive information campaign to help users transition to the new arrangements which will be introduced by the end of the year.

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