Drivers will need to pay for their parking either online, by pre-registering, or by phone before midnight the next day – or they could face £100 fine
10:23, 26 Feb 2026Updated 10:27, 26 Feb 2026
The barrierless system is already in place at Terminal 2 Upper Forecourt Drop Off, Terminal 2 Express Pick Up, Terminal 1 Drop off and Terminal 3 Drop Off.(Image: MEN MEDIA)
Manchester Airport has announced that the new barrierless parking system will be extended to the T2 West Multi-Storey car park – now signposted as P3 – next month. This means that drivers will no longer need to pay upon exit as their vehicle will be recognised automatically when they leave.
Motorists will need to pay for their parking after their visit, either online, by phone, or automatically using an Auto Pay account which they can pre-register for. They will need to pay by midnight the day after they leave the car park.
Alternatively parking can be pre-booked in advance. The barrierless system will be introduced at T2 West Multi-Storey car park on Wednesday March 25, coming into force from one minute past midnight.
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In an update shared on its website, Manchester Airport said the move is “designed to make your journey quicker and easier.” The system is already in place at various locations across the airport including the Terminal 2 Upper Forecourt Drop Off, Terminal 2 Express Pick Up, Terminal 1 Drop off and Terminal 3 Drop Off.
The airport said the system is being introduced as T2 West Multi-Storey has become busier since the majority of airlines moved to Terminal 2 this year (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
However, the system has proved controversial as many drivers have faced fines for failing to pay the drop-off and pick-up fees after their visit due to the fact there are no physical barriers prompting payment. The airport has emphasised that there is signage in place reminding passengers of the system, and that drivers can pre-register to make payments automatically.
Drivers who fail to pay by midnight the following day are warned that a £100.00 Parking Charge Notice will be issued, which will be reduced to £60.00 if paid within 14 days or the total outstanding parking tariff if higher than the reduced parking charge amount.
Explaining why the system is being introduced at the car park, the airport said: “Since most of our airlines moved to Terminal 2 last year, traffic levels around the T2 West Multi-Storey car park have increased. At busy times, this has led to queues at entry and exit barriers, causing delays for customers and adding congestion to the surrounding roads.
“Moving to a barrierless parking system removes the need to stop or queue at barriers or pay machines. This helps improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and create a smoother, quicker experience for customers – especially during peak periods.”
According to the airport’s website, ‘turn up and park’ prices for the T2 Multi Storey West car park start from £6.40 for 15 minutes, increasing to £31.80 for up to four hours, and £61.40 for 24 hours and each subsequent 24 hours thereafter (or part thereof). The airport does say that there are no plans to increase the tariffs at T2 West Multi Storey.