Pick Up & Drop Off

The switch to a barrierless Express Set Down is designed to streamline the drop-off and pick-up process, reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. By removing the barriers, drivers can pass through more smoothly, without stopping at barriers, which minimises wait times and eases vehicle flow.

You can pay online via our payment portal, or by phone: 0345 017 5046

Payments cannot be made using cash or cheque. Additionally, no payment for our Express Set Down area can be made upon exiting, as there are no payment barriers in this area. If payment is not received by midnight the following day, a £100.00 Parking Charge Notice will be issued, which will be reduced to £60.00 if paid within 14 days.

Payment must be made by midnight the day after you visited to ensure a Parking Charge Notice is not sent to the registered vehicle holder.

You can set up an account and add your vehicle registration and payment card, which will automatically take payment after each journey through the Express Set Down area. No pre-payments can be made before your visit to this area. To create an account please visit our payment portal.

If you have any problems or concerns about your payment for visiting the Express Set Down area, please contact APCOA via one of the following options:

• Customer Services webchat: Live chat with an agent here

• Customer Services phone number: 0345 017 5046

Non-payment will result in a £100 Parking Charge, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. f you wish to appeal a Parking Charge Notice you have received, please visit the APCOA website.

I have received a Parking Charge for going through the Express Set Down, but I had pre-booked parking, can I appeal this charge?

If you wish to appeal a Parking Charge Notice you have received, please visit the APCOA website.

Due to the high volume of applications the team are receiving our response time is currently 10 working days. We're processing applications as quickly as possible. Please allow the full 10 days for any new applications. If you have any concerns or further questions, or your application has taken longer than 10 working days, you can contact us by emailing DD_carparking@stanstedairport.com.

We appreciate your understanding.

What time of day is the Express Set Down charge enforced?

The charge for using the Express Set Down applies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Do you provide a free pick-up and drop off option?

We have a free pick up or drop off option at our Mid Stay car park. This car park is free for up to 60 minutes.

I am travelling via taxi; do I have to pay for the Express Set Down charge?

It is the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle to ensure they have paid the Express Set Down charge.

Are Blue Badge holders exempt from charges in the Express Set Down area?

No blue badge holders are not exempt, all vehicles that use the Express Set Down area must ensure they have paid for their visit. However, if you require longer than the 15-minute period, please speak to one of our traffic marshallers who will be able to provide further guidance.

I have an electric vehicle do I have to pay the Express Set Down charge?

Yes, the Express Set Down charge still applies. There is no exemption for Electric Vehicles.

I have pre-booked Valet do I need to pay for entering the Express Set Down area?

If you have a pre-booking for our VIP Valet car parking product you do not need to pay for entering the Express Set Down area, when using this service your vehicle will be exempt.

If I use the Express Set Down more than once in one day, do I have to pay for every visit?

Yes, every time you use the Express Set Down area payment must be made for each visit and non-payment will result in a £100 Parking Charge which must be paid within 14 days, terms and conditions will apply.

How will I know that payment for the Express Set Down has been processed?

Payment will show within 24 hours of the online payment being made.

I have received a Parking Charge for going through the Express Set Down, but I had pre-booked parking, can I appeal this charge?

If you wish to appeal a Parking Charge Notice you have received, please visit the APCOA website.

Why does payment need to be made by midnight the following day?

The payment timescale is set to midnight the following day to provide customers with ample time to complete their payment conveniently after using the Express Set Down area. This flexible timescale ensures that passengers can make payments at a time that suits them. To make the process even easier, customers can register for AutoPay. By doing so, payments are automatically deducted after each visit, eliminating the need to remember to pay manually and ensuring a seamless experience