BOSSES at Glasgow Airport have defended the introduction of drop-off charges at the Paisley-based terminal, despite opposition from the public.

Drivers dropping passengers off now have to pay £2 for a stay of up to 10 minutes.

As part of the plans, a new pick-up and drop-off point opposite the main terminal building has been created, with the old area at Caledonian Way West being closed as a result.

The charges came into effect last Thursday, having first been announced in January.

More than 8,000 people had signed a petition calling for airport chiefs to rethink the plans.

Despite a problem with traffic lights causing congestion, airport bosses said the first day of the charges went smoothly.

However, there has also been a barrage of criticism from fed-up members of the public.

Lisa McDonald, 38, believes the changes will force people to drop passengers off elsewhere.

She said: “It was easier before because people were just jumping in and jumping out. I think charging £2 for 10 minutes is ridiculous.

“Obviously, it’s not going to stop people coming to the airport because they’re always going to go away, but they’re going to find other ways or other places to drop people off.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea at all.”

A spokesman for Glasgow Airport, said the new pick-up and drop-off facility is part of a wider scheme of works aimed at reducing congestion and improving the flow of traffic.

He added: “The facility has been working well, although we did experience a minor problem with a set of traffic lights just before 6am, which caused a build-up of traffic on approach to the airport. This lasted around 20 minutes.

“We have additional staff on hand, providing support, and would encourage customers to check our website for details on the new arrangements.”