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

ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS Charity Cycle Ride group photo
ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS members are taking on a five-stage, 350-mile charity cycle from Belfast to Bristol, raising money for three causes while connecting colleagues and showcasing industry along the route.
London Stansted Airport enjoys its busiest month ever
Stansted
London Stansted Airport enjoys its busiest month ever
Last month Stansted Airport beat its previous monthly record, setting a new all time high of over 3.1 million passengers.
Aerospace

11 Aug 2026

Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopening: What needs to happen before flights return
Doncaster Sheffield Robin Hood Airport building exterior
Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopening: What needs to happen before flights return
Doncaster Sheffield Airport is moving closer to reopening after closing in 2022. Here is the latest on the work still required.
Aerospace Insights

11 Aug 2026

ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS Charity Cycle Ride group photo
ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS members are taking on a five-stage, 350-mile charity cycle from Belfast to Bristol, raising money for three causes while connecting colleagues and showcasing industry along the route.
UK targets Russian banks and shadow fleet in new sanctions package
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed President Zelenskyy to the UK.
UK targets Russian banks and shadow fleet in new sanctions package
Following President Zelenskyy's recent visit to the UK, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has introduced a range of sanctions on individuals and businesses helping facilitate Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Defence

11 Aug 2026

British Army trainees complete first CFS-endorsed drone operator course
British Army Eagle UAS training
British Army trainees complete first CFS-endorsed drone operator course
British Army personnel have completed the first Central Flying School-endorsed operator course for the Eagle uncrewed aerial system, marking a step towards more formalised drone training across the force.
Defence

11 Aug 2026

ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS Charity Cycle Ride group photo
ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS members are taking on a five-stage, 350-mile charity cycle from Belfast to Bristol, raising money for three causes while connecting colleagues and showcasing industry along the route.
HydroGNSS becomes first ESA Scout mission to complete in-orbit commissioning
HydroGNSS coherent channel detecting surface water at a high resolution, even when under a vegetation canopy.
HydroGNSS becomes first ESA Scout mission to complete in-orbit commissioning
Designed, built and operated by Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) for ESA, the HydroGNSS satellites are now able to provide data to researchers worldwide.
Member News Space

11 Aug 2026

UK opens £37m space infrastructure fund to take technologies from lab to mission
An artistic impression of the CLEAR mission
UK opens £37m space infrastructure fund to take technologies from lab to mission
A new £37 million UK Space Agency funding round will support the testing, manufacturing and scale-up infrastructure needed to help promising space technologies move from the laboratory towards commercial deployment and operational missions.
Most Read Space

11 Aug 2026

AXA XL’s S-RM acquisition puts UK manufacturing cyber resilience in focus
IT technician checks cyber security in the office
AXA XL’s S-RM acquisition puts UK manufacturing cyber resilience in focus
AXA XL’s acquisition of UK cyber consultancy S-RM comes as manufacturers face growing pressure to strengthen prevention, incident response and supply chain resilience.
Security

11 Aug 2026

ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS Charity Cycle Ride group photo
ADS Charity Cycle takes to the road for 350-mile Belfast to Bristol challenge
ADS members are taking on a five-stage, 350-mile charity cycle from Belfast to Bristol, raising money for three causes while connecting colleagues and showcasing industry along the route.
National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey results published
Police on patrol to protect Jewish citizens
National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey results published
The National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey 2026 - administered independently by Leapwise on behalf of Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) - is the largest of its kind ever conducted, providing a clear picture of the pressures police face in keeping us safe
Security

11 Aug 2026