LONDON Stansted today announced it is to introduce a new barrierless system for vehicles dropping off passengers at its Express Set Down (ESD) area as part of the airport’s £1.1bn transformation programme.

The new technology will be managed through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems like that already in use at the Dartford Crossing and will come into operation in late January 2025.

The switch to a new barrier-free ESD system is aimed at enhancing the overall experience for both drivers and passengers by streamlining the drop-off process. By removing the existing barriers, drivers will pass through more smoothly without the need to stop on exit, helping reduce congestion and improving traffic flow.

The ESD charge will need to be paid by midnight the day after making the drop-off, either online or by phone. No payments will be able to be made when exiting the area. Frequent users, including taxi drivers, will be able to register for an auto-pay account with full registration details available in the new year, while discounts for eligible local residents will be unaffected by the change. There will be prominent signage in the ESD area to remind drivers of the new system once it is introduced.

Anita Harrison, London Stansted’s Customer Operations Director, said:

“We recently announced our five-year £1.1bn investment programme that will deliver wide-ranging benefits at every touch point of a passenger’s journey while at the airport, and this initiative is an example of our commitment to enhance the travel experience at London Stansted.

“The new barrierless system we will introduce in the new year will make dropping-off passengers quicker and more convenient, reducing driver waiting times and helping improve passenger flows.

“We have seen these systems work effectively at other airports and in other settings, such as bridges, toll roads and tunnels and that is why we are confident it will improve the overall experience for users.

“Full details of the new system will be available on our website early in 2025, with new signage also displayed in the ESD area advising users of the pending changes, but it’s important to raise awareness now so drivers have advanced notice of the improvements we are bringing in.”