MSPs make case for less airport security

SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott and Orkney MSP Liam McArthur are calling on Highland and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) to postpone a decision on whether to introduce car parking charges at its island airports at Sumburgh, Kirkwall and Stornoway, pending a review on aviation security.

HIAL is due to discuss the contentious issue at its board meeting on Friday.

Mr Scott and Mr McArthur are now stepping up their campaign against the introduction of such charges by arguing that HIAL could balance its book by implementing an EU directive that would allow reducing the cost of security at its island airports.

They said that the UK Government has been asked to consider using aviation directive on EU300/2008, which would allow reduced levels of security for flights operated by aircraft of less than 15 tonnes maximum take-off weight.

Mr Scott said: “The driving force behind HIAL’s wish to impose car parking charges is that it offers a way to make up the shortfall they face in their budget because the Scottish government has cut their funding.

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“But this is not the only way they can cut their charges. Many feel that the level of security imposed at the islands airports is higher than is needed.

“If the UK government decides to apply the EU directive to the island air services, so reducing the level of security, HIAL should be able to cut its costs at all of its islands airports.

“That seems the best way to deal with the cut to HIAL’s budget, rather than by targeting those who have to park at their three big island airports.”

Mr Liam McArthur added that the case against the car parking charges remained as strong as ever.

“Parking charges would add still further to the cost of using our lifeline air services, hitting many individuals and businesses.

“For many, leaving their car at the airport is the only practical option open to them.  Parking charges offer an easy option for HIAL but they must not rush into imposing them when other options, such as applying more appropriate levels of security, have not been fully explored.”