A study has revealed Stansted Airport has the highest drop-off parking fees of any airport in the country.

Research by the RAC has revealed it costs £3.50 to park for 10 minutes at the Essex airport, a rate which has risen by 50p since last year.

This is 50p more than Luton Airport, while Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports all have no charge.

Stansted also has the second highest pick-up cost at £5 for 30 minutes, which again had risen 50p in the last year. Luton Airport charges £7 for 40 minutes.

A Stansted Airport spokesman said income from the charge is used to develop airport services and to keep costs low for airlines – which led to cheaper fares for passengers.

He said: “Over 50% of passengers arrive at the airport using public transport, the highest proportion of any major UK airport.

“The Express Set Down charge is designed to help manage congestion in a capacity-restricted area and limit the environmental impacts of drop-off and pick-up journeys by private vehicles.

“We also encourage drivers to use the free park and ride facility at the mid stay car park that drops passengers off directly on the terminal forecourt.

“We would also remind all residents living within a 10-mile radius of Stansted Airport that a generous discount scheme is in place for the Express Set Down.”

The spokesman added that the terminal forecourt, formerly used for drop-offs, had to be closed for a number of years as security was increased – including the installation of barriers – in the wake of the Glasgow Airport terrorist attack. It has since re-opened but with less capacity.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “The eye-watering costs at some airports is likely to be viewed by drivers as another way of making money out of them, particularly where public transport to and from the airport simply isn’t a viable option.

“This year many airports have increased the already sky-high prices they charge making a good deed a costly experience.

“Drop-off charges are the biggest bone of contention as for many they appear severe when they are simply pulling up for less than five minutes and often don’t even get out of the car themselves.”