The proposed changes would bring the facility into line with Civil Aviation Authority rules introduced after terrorists rammed a vehicle full of propane cannisters into the front of Glasgow Airport in
2007.
After that incident the CAA brought in regulations preventing public vehicles from driving within 30 metres of airport buildings.
Changes have now been implemented at airports across Britain, but Jersey was given extra time to allow the adaptations to be incorporated within its £42 million new terminal project.
Now, subject to planning approval, the work is likely to begin this autumn and, once completed, drivers will no longer be able to drop passengers off at the doors of the current departures hall.
Instead, vehicles will be directed to a new drop-off area, just short of the terminal with passengers completing the rest of the journey on foot, under a covered walkway.
Those wishing to pick up arriving passengers would drive along a newly built road around the northern end of the existing long-stay car park before being led around a loop immediately adjacent to the existing arrivals building.
The plans also include a pedestrianised plaza with seating, which would be put in the existing forecourt’s place.
LibertyBus, along with taxi and coach companies, are still being consulted about how the current arrangements could be improved. One change being considered is the addition of numbered bays for pre-booked cabs.
Alan Merry, group chief executive for Ports of Jersey, said that the company had to make the changes to ensure it remained compliant with industry regulations.
He added that the changes would also significantly improve pedestrian safety.
‘We do not have a choice on this – we have to do this. The whole area in front of the terminal, we cannot have vehicles there,’ he said.
‘It is a very major change and what we are doing at the moment is getting feedback from the main users – drivers, coach companies – to say: “how can we make this better?”.
‘It is also going to improve safety because the crossings are a bit dangerous. People get “airport eyes” and they do not look, they pull out because they are looking for people – not the sort of driving you would see in town. So, it is important that we improve that safety aspect.’
A 20-minute free-parking zone, where people can wait for arriving passengers is being considered.
As the project is going out to tender, Ports of Jersey have not yet released a cost for the work. However, they have said that it is within the £42 million remastered Airport terminal budget.
Members of the project team will be available to discuss the plans with the public at St Peter’s Parish Hall on 19 June between 6.30pm and 8pm.
