A taxi driver has issued a warning about a 'sneaky' new barrierless charge at a major UK that has already caught some people out.

Airport parking can be costly and stressful as there are multiple terminals and parking areas. The situation is more complicated by parking charges and fees for pick-ups and drop-offs.

Mike, a Manchester-based driver, has alerted others to Manchester Airport's new barrierless system, which requires a remote payment of £5 to drop off or pick up passengers, instead of stopping at a barrier to pay. If you don't pay by midnight the following day you will get a £100 fine, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

In a video, Mike warned that anyone dropping off at must pay £5, whether they are a taxi driver or a private individual dropping off family members.

However, he claimed that the signage is not clear enough. The Manchester cabbie stated that there are signs about the charges "on the side" but not directly in front, so drivers exiting who aren't looking sideways might "miss them."

Discussing the repercussions of not paying the £5 charge, Mike said: "I think it's challengeable with those signs but just to let you know it's easy just to go online and pay it straight away." Manchester Airport has announced on its the introduction of a new barrierless system at their Drop Off and Pick Up zones, stating: "We are pleased to announce that Manchester Airport has introduced a new barrierless system at our Drop Off and Pick Up forecourts.

"This change is part of our commitment to enhancing the travel experience for all our passengers."

It further explains the benefits: "The barrierless system will streamline the drop-off and pick-up process, making it quicker, more convenient, and stress-free. You will no longer need to stop at a barrier."

Elaborating on the ease of the new system, the airport adds: "Instead, you can drive straight through a Drop Off or Pick Up area and pay your charges remotely. This change will significantly reduce waiting times, improve traffic flow, and enhance the overall passenger experience at Manchester Airport."

The airport also notes that this system is in line with what is seen at other airports and various toll settings such as tunnels, roads, and bridges.

One frustrated commenter shared their costly experience: "£100 I've just been done with it!! I had absolutely no idea about this new scheme. 4am dropping off how the h**l am I gunna read these signs especially when I know nothing about it. I have challenged [it]."

Another person remarked: "Dropped someone off yesterday and just thought the barriers were broken! Thanks for the video, paid with 90 mins to spare."

A third TikTok user expressed their frustration: "I got stung with this at Manchester airport terminal 3, barriers wide open and a fine for £100 in the post a week or two afterwards but if you pay the fiver straight away, you're ok , but still sneaky."

Yet another challenged Mike's observation about the signage: "The only ones that are side on are at terminal 2. They are right facing you at terminal 3 when you exit, they are also on the bend on the T3 MandG so you can't miss them."

A representative for Manchester Airport commented: "Here at Manchester Airport we're always looking for ways to make our passengers' lives easier. Removing barriers in our drop-off and pick-up areas speeds up the process and makes it feel seamless - and it stops people from going into more expensive pay brackets while they wait at the barriers."

Manchester Airport has clarified that the removal of barriers is an effort to improve the experience for passengers. Previously, drivers had to navigate through zones to drop off or pick up passengers and then pay at an exit barrier, which often caused queues.

The introduction of charges for entering the drop-off areas at Manchester Airport was a measure taken years ago to reduce significant congestion around the site due to vehicles queuing for the drop-off and pick-up zones.