Still no sign of parking charge

AS SEPTEMBER looms there is still no sign of a car parking charge at Sumburgh Airport – two months after it was meant to be introduced.

Operator Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) originally wanted to impose a £3-a-day charge at its Sumburgh, Kirkwall and Stornoway airports from 1 July to increase revenue.

While the latter two airports had the levy in place as planned, there is still no definitive date set for Sumburgh.

When asked for an update on Thursday, a spokesman for HIAL said there is a continued delay as the government-owned organisation goes through the planning process – despite officials previously believing there was no need to.

Concerns had been raised by Shetland Islands Council over the placement of barriers.

“Shetland Islands Council has asked HIAL to submit a planning application for all works at Sumburgh relating to the installation of car parking barriers, pay stations and associated infrastructure,” the spokesman said.

“As a result, and following close consultation with SIC officials, we are working to ensure the planning process is completed and agreed ahead of the works proceeding in their entirety.

“HIAL is focused on ensuring all works at Sumburgh are completed promptly once the relevant consents are obtained.”

Chairman of the council’s transport committee Ryan Thomson said the local authority continues to lobby and seek meetings with ministers in the hope of securing an impact assessment before any charges are imposed.