A motorcyclist has raised concerns over the no stopping zone at Bristol Airport branding it hazardous and claiming drivers are reluctant “to stop for pedestrians” at crossings for fear of incurring fines. The issue arose when the biker received a fine for halting to check a tariff board in the no stopping area at the airport in North Somerset.
Rob Hinks from Gloucestershire was visiting Bristol Airport on his motorcycle on June 28, 2024 to collect his friend returning from holiday. He contends that the directions for motorcycle parking were incorrect upon his arrival.
Bristol Airport is currently amidst a £400 million development that will revamp the road network, introduce a new public transport interchange, and construct a multi-storey car park. This upgrade follows the airport’s successful bid for further expansion.
Rob Hinks travelled to Bristol Airport in June and claims that the no stopping zone is unsafe for pedestrians and motorcyclists.
(Image: Rob Hinks)
The motorcycle bay is within the existing multi-storey car park, but on arrival at the airport, Mr Hinks alleges that there was a no entry sign for motorbikes on the multi-storey car park. This is despite checking the website prior and checking that he could park within the car park.
Mr Hinks said: “Before setting off I checked the airport’s website which told me that the motorcycle bay was in the multi-storey car park and that any bikes parked elsewhere would be removed. When I got to the multi-storey car park I found a no motorcycle symbol on the entry sign, so I negotiated a U-turn (without stopping) and went to the short stay car park.
“I did briefly stop there to consult the tariff board before asking someone on the barrier intercom whether I would be allowed to park there. I was told that I wasn’t. I then asked if I would be allowed through the barrier to turn around because my bike did not have a reverse gear and I was told I couldn’t do that either.”
Bristol Airport is currently investing £60 million in a Public Transport Interchange and more than doubling the number of coach and bus bays.
Mr Hinks was later able to park in the Silver Zone but was charged less than two weeks later. After reporting his concerns to the airport, the charge was later cancelled, which he praised.
Mr Hinks feels that the signage used at the airport is “inadequate” and that he feels that the airport is unsafe due to these issues and drivers’ fears over the no stopping zone.
Mr Hinks said: “I feel that the no stopping zone isn’t safely operated. I believe it is important to be able to read signage as car parks can be hazardous, poorly designed and rather unwelcoming for motorcyclists.
“Some car parks have good facilities for motorcycles but other places seem to regard bikes as a bit of a nuisance. I believe it would be safer if the airport was willing to replace incorrect signage and to relocate signage to places where people can stop to read it. It’s putting motorcyclists at risk.
“I would also feel more comfortable if drivers felt able to stop for pedestrians on the crossing. Drivers fear stopping and being fined for waiting for pedestrians and it means that it is unsafe for pedestrians. I felt unsafe.”
Mr Hicks later flew from London Gatwick airport in the summer as he knew that he would be able to park there. “I feel like Bristol Airport’s problems are self-inflicted,” he added.
Bristol Airport: “We’re sorry”
Bristol Airport told Bristol Live that it has had problems for many years with vehicles stopping in unsafe areas on the roadways, resulting in signs being erected at the entrance and along the road network which says no stopping, picking up or dropping off.
Due to the developments, the road network is a single lane in each direction so the risk of congestion is increased when vehicles stop. It said that in the past this has caused collisions with pedestrians and other motorists.
A Bristol Airport spokesperson said: “We have updated our signs to make it clear that motorcyclists can park in our multi-storey car park – we’re sorry to the motorcyclist concerned for any confusion caused. Many thousands of customers use our car parks every week and the vast majority have done so without contravening the ‘no stopping’ rules, which are in place for everyone’s safety and for security.
“We’d always advise people to visit our website to plan their journey, so they can see the options available for getting to the Airport and the parking options. Those who travel by motorcycle can park for free in the multi-storey car park.”
Bristol Airport added that once the ‘Public Transport Interchange’ has been completed and opened to the public, motorists will be able to get direct access to the multi-storey car park. Motorcycle bays will remain on the ground level.
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