A councillor has backed taxi drivers who have hit out after an airport increased drop-off fees for private hire vehicles.

Southampton Airport raised the price at its short stay parking facility to £7 for 20 minutes, up from £6, in a move branded “atrocious” by the chairman of Southampton Hackney and Private Hire Association, Ian Hall.

Following the news of the increase in drop-off fees, Totton South and Marchwood councillor for the Liberal Democrats, David Harrison, gave his support to cab drivers, saying the airport’s decision was an example of “rip off Britain.”

In a social media post, Cllr Harrison said: “I agree with the taxi drivers who are complaining about the charges at Southampton Airport being increased to £7, just for dropping somebody off.

“I think that making a charge at all is questionable. It isn't as if they have to build and maintain a car park. Most people won't even be there for more than a couple of minutes. I think it is an example of ‘rip off’ Britain."

READ MORE: Cab drivers slam Southampton Airport over drop-off fee

Ian Hall, chairman of Southampton Hackney and Private Hire Association, said the rise in drop-off fees at Southampton Airport was "atrocious" (Image: Newsquest) He added: “The one benefit it does have is that it might persuade more people to access the airport via train, where there is a frequent service and just a short walk involved.

“The explanation that all the extra income will be reinvested in airport facilities is just treating the public as mugs. I think it is greedy profiteering and there is a case for the government to intervene and put a cap on how much they are allowed to charge.”

Adrian Bridge of Paragon Taxis has been a hackney cab driver for 40 years, he told the Echo that taxi drivers had no control over the decision and that the increase in charge each year was “unfair.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for Southampton Airport said: “As part of a review of our parking facility, our pick-up and drop-off fee will be set at £7 for 20 minutes.

"It is important to note that no changes are being made for blue badge holders who are entitled to a free 30-minute stay in clearly marked spaces within the short stay car park. 

"All of the funds generated through our parking facility are reinvested into the airport and play an important role in securing new routes for the region.”