A Bournemouth MP is to raise the issue of controversial new drop off arrangements at Bournemouth Airport.

Tobias Ellwood will meet airport officials next month and ask them to rethink the arrangements introduced in April.

Manchester Airport Group, which owns Bournemouth, scrapped a free ten minute period which means drivers must pay the minimum parking fee of £2.50 when they drop off or pick up. Airport bosses say the move is a response to difficult trading conditions and the worldwide downturn. There is also no pedestrian access to the terminal along the entrance road.

In a letter to a constituent, Mr Ellwood says the move is “a disproportionate hike in charging and does nothing to help tourism in East Dorset.”

He adds: “The fact that pedestrians are now choosing to walk from Hurn village in order not to be dropped and collected shows the authorities have not thought this through.

“I would like to see a drop off area that is free and a pick-up area which includes parking away from the airport but allows travellers to make a mobile call once they are inside the terminal so they can be picked up efficiently and without charge.”

An airport spokesperson said: “We regularly meet our local MPs to keep them up to date with the airport and our next scheduled meeting will take place in June.

“We have previously briefed them on the changes to the drop off and pick up arrangements and look forward to discussing this with them in more detail.