General Atomics

Stansted ESD barrier free system set to go live

London Stansted Airport has confirmed its new barrierless system for vehicles using its Express Set Down (ESD) area is set to go live on 22nd January 2025.



Image courtesy MAG

The new system will use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and is designed to simplify the drop off and pick up process as drivers pass through the area more smoothly without the need to stop on exit, helping improve traffic flow and reducing congestion.

The ESD charge will need to be paid by midnight the day after making the drop-off, either online at pay.stanstedairport.com or by phone (0345 017 5046).

No payments will be able to be made when exiting the area and vehicles must not be left unattended at any time while in the drop off area.

Frequent users, including taxi drivers, can register for an account to automatically pay for any ESD visits, with full details available on the airport’s website – Express Set Down – Stansted Airport – while discounts for eligible local residents will be unaffected by the change.

Prominent signage is in place in the ESD area to remind drivers of the new system.

Anita Harrison, London Stansted’s Customer Operations Director, said: “Following our initial announcement last December of our intention to introduce a new barrierless access for vehicles using the ESD, I’m please to confirm the system will go live on 22nd January.

“The ANPR technology will make dropping-off and picking up passengers quicker and more convenient, reducing driver waiting times and helping improve passenger flows and that is why we are confident it will improve the overall experience for users."

Related

UK Aviation to improve support for disabled air passengers
London Gatwick Airport
UK Aviation to improve support for disabled air passengers
As the Civil Aviation Bill advances, disabled air passengers are set to benefit from stronger protections, including improved accessibility, wheelchair safeguards and specialist staff training.
Aerospace

19 Oct 2026

Heathrow third runway plan could support 50,000 local jobs by 2055
Heathrow third runway
Heathrow third runway plan could support 50,000 local jobs by 2055
Heathrow says its proposed third runway could unlock major employment, skills and supply chain opportunities for local communities and businesses.
Aerospace

19 Oct 2026

UK drone regulation risks rewarding those who ‘ask forgiveness rather than permission’
uvatek babka drone in flight
UK drone regulation risks rewarding those who ‘ask forgiveness rather than permission’
UK drone companies that follow the regulatory process risk losing work to operators prepared to fly first and seek approval later, UAVTEK has warned.
Aerospace Magazine

19 Oct 2026

Andy Lord appointed Interim Chair of NAD Group Advisory Board
Andy Lord
Andy Lord appointed Interim Chair of NAD Group Advisory Board
Having served as a Non-Executive Director and Board member for Defence Equipment & Support from 2018, Andy Lord has now been appointed Interim Chair of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group Advisory Board by Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry.
Defence

19 Oct 2026

Plans confirmed for Scottish Defence Technical Excellence Colleges
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP (left) and Scottish Secretary of State Douglas Alexander (centre left) launch the Defence Growth Deal at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland in Glasgow on 12 March 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Rosie Hallam
Plans confirmed for Scottish Defence Technical Excellence Colleges
Scottish Government Innovation Minister Alyn Smith has confirmed Holyrood ministers will “partner with the UK Government” to grow skills in the defence sector with the creation of two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs) - one in the East and one in the West of Scotland - as part of a wider £50 million deal.
Defence

19 Oct 2026

UK targets faster defence procurement as Streeting calls for industrial overhaul
The Future of U.S.-UK Defense Cooperation with UK Secretary of Defence Wes Streeting
UK targets faster defence procurement as Streeting calls for industrial overhaul
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has called for an overhaul of military procurement, setting targets to reduce contract timelines and speed up the delivery of new technologies.
Defence Security

19 Oct 2026

Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
ALL.SPACE Hydra
Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
Viasat has placed an order for multiple ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX terminals approved to operate on Viasat's global NextGen Ka-band network, providing resilient SATCOM connectivity for defence and government users.
Defence Member News Space

15 Oct 2026

Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Goonhilly satellite near Cornwall Space Cluster
Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Cornwall Space Cluster has partnered with Stephens Scown to offer specialist legal advice to space businesses, helping them protect intellectual property, prepare for investment and support future growth.
Space

15 Oct 2026

ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
ClearSpace removing space debris
ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
The UK-led programme will remove two defunct satellites while creating specialist jobs, supporting supply chains and building capability in the growing in-orbit services sector.
Space

15 Oct 2026

UK targets faster defence procurement as Streeting calls for industrial overhaul
The Future of U.S.-UK Defense Cooperation with UK Secretary of Defence Wes Streeting
UK targets faster defence procurement as Streeting calls for industrial overhaul
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has called for an overhaul of military procurement, setting targets to reduce contract timelines and speed up the delivery of new technologies.
Defence Security

19 Oct 2026

The Reading Agency launches largest-ever UK prison book-gifting programme
The Reading Agency launches largest-ever UK prison book-gifting programme
The Reading Agency launches largest-ever UK prison book-gifting programme
An initiative from The Reading Agency, championed by Prison Reading Laureate Lee Child, will see almost a half million Quick Reads reach prisons across the UK, with a collection shaped by people in prison and prison staff.
Security

19 Oct 2026

Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
National Police Chiefs Council photo of police on duty
Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has warned that officers and staff risk misconduct investigations for inappropriate AI use.
Security

16 Oct 2026