MOTORWAY police stopped two vehicles on the hard shoulder of the M56 Manchester Airport exit, after they attempted to pick up passengers.

The two vehicles were both waiting to pick up passengers to avoid paying parking charges at the airport.

Both vehicles were issued with a traffic offence, including a private hire vehicle.

A spokesperson for North West Motorway Police said: “Our ME41 came across a private hire vehicle parked on the hard shoulder of the M56 Manchester Airport Spur. Driver waiting to pick up passengers - TOR Issued.

The Bolton News: Motorway police catch two vehicles attempting to pick up passengers on airport exitMotorway police catch two vehicles attempting to pick up passengers on airport exit

“A busy ME41 came across a second vehicle on the hard shoulder on the M56 Manchester Airport Spur, waiting to pick up passengers.

“Another TOR Issued.”

In 2019 Manchester Airport was the 3rd most expensive UK airport, ranked by drop-off fee, just below London Stansted and London Luton.

In 2019 it was £3 for 5 minutes, 4 for 10 minutes, and £25 for overstay of 10 minutes, to be dropped off directly outside the terminals and train station.

The Bolton News: Motorway police catch two vehicles attempting to pick up passengers on airport exitMotorway police catch two vehicles attempting to pick up passengers on airport exit

Today it is £5 for five minutes and £6 for 10 minutes, which is payable at the exit barrier.

Alternatively, passengers are able to use a free drop off area, which is located in JetParks 1, where passengers can take a short shuttle bus ride to the terminals, which operates 24/7.

Other parking options available including the multi-Storey car park available at Terminal 3, or a Short Stay/pick up car park for Terminal 1, and the train station.

Passengers who are picked up from these car parks, can expect a charge of £6.00 for 30 minutes.