DROP-off charges at Glasgow Airport have come into force despite opposition from the public.

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

As part of the plans, a new pickup 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 new charges came into effect early yesterday morning. The changes are said to the be final step in a wider scheme of works to reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic on the airport’s road network.

More than 8,400 people signed a petition calling for the airport to rethink the plans after they were announced in January.

Despite a problem with traffic lights causing congestion around 6am, airport bosses said the first day of the charges went smoothly.

There was a mixed reaction on the ground with many passengers suggesting that the measures would force people to find somewhere outside the airport to stop.

Lisa McDonald, 38, from Glasgow, believes the changes will force people to stop their cars else where.

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."

Jade Mullaney, 27, also from Glasgow, said: “The new way is more convenient with it being next to where you actually get the flights, however, the charges they are putting on people is really unfair.

“It was chock-a-block before so I don’t know if this will be an improvement. Only time will tell. It’s going to get busier and busier especially coming up the summer holidays.”

Jamie Campbell, 25, from Greenock, said: “Luckily we could call to be picked up when landed but if we hadn’t and the flight was delayed, it would cost a fortune.

“I think the new charges will change people’s plans. If people are going to be charged for picking up and dropping off, they’ll probably find somewhere else to wait.”

Margaret Tarbot, 83, from Clacton-on-Sea, added: “They already have these kind of charges in England.

“Here you can end up driving round in circles looking for somewhere to park and they’ve got so many big car parks and then you have to walk all the way back down.

“It’s making things a bit more complicated for people, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.”

A Glasgow Airport spokesman said: “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 and the issue with the traffic lights has now been resolved.

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