Belfast International Airport's plans to end its free parking service have been criticised by a consumers' watchdog.
The General Consumers' Council warned the decision to abolish the ten-minute grace period at its short-stay car park could endanger safety at the Co Antrim site with queues of motorists circling the airport waiting to pick up friends and relatives.
A spokeswoman for the council said: "Originally we wanted the the free period extended as opposed to a charge being introduced. Our concern is that the airport is forcing people to pay and park or else park illegally which has implications for the environment, safety and congestion."
The airport authorities are insisting the measure should provide clarity over parking and will cut traffic by discouraging people from moving their vehicles every 10 minutes.
The cost of the first 30 minutes has been reduced from £1.50 to £1.00. This is below tariffs at Belfast City, Glasgow, Birmingham and other airports.
