SOUTHEND Airport has been criticised for scrapping the five-minute free drop off period in its short stay car park.

It has been replaced with 15 minutes free parking at one of the long stay car parks, but concerns have been raised about the effect on people with mobility issues - including wheelchair users.

The airport says the free 15 minute drop-off section is just four minutes walk from the terminal, but some say this is too far.

Yesterday, the airport stated if people with mobility issues contact the airport in advance, support can be sent out to the car park - but this information was not included when the airport’s announced the changes.

Toby Wear, 32, raised concerns about taking his mum to the airport in early August, because she uses a wheelchair.

He said: “This doesn’t seem fair.

“Mum is going on holiday in early August, and the plan had been to drive her to the short stay free drop off, right next to the entrance, run her in and get out - no problem. But it won’t work with the drop off at the long stay car park. She is in a wheelchair, we will have her suitcase, the airport says it is only a four minute walk, but it doesn’t work. This is unfair on anyone with mobility problems.”

Councillor Daniel Cowan, took to social media and said: “I have written to Southend Airport asking them to explain their decision and how they will mitigate the obvious and disproportionate affect on people with mobility issues.

“I believe that no thought, care, or consideration for the effects this will have on disabled people, the retail centre, or neighbouring roads has been given to this change.”

As of Monday, charges at the short stay car park, neighbouring the terminal, start at £3 for up to ten minutes.

An airport spokesman said support will be offered for people with mobility issues at the short stay car park, and they will not face fines if they require slightly longer and staff are aware.