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

AI and automation in aviation: which UK jobs are most at risk?
Aircraft landing at Heathrow Airport
AI and automation in aviation: which UK jobs are most at risk?
Automation is changing the way airlines and airports operate, and some traditional roles are becoming less common. Which aviation jobs are most at risk, and what does this mean for the people who keep the industry moving?
Aerospace

1 Nov 2026

Birmingham Airport gets nonstop link to Toronto as Air Transat resumes flights after 9-year hiatus
Air Transat A321LR taking off from Toulouse.
Birmingham Airport gets nonstop link to Toronto as Air Transat resumes flights after 9-year hiatus
Air Transat is returning to Birmingham with a twice-weekly nonstop service to Toronto Pearson starting June 2027 after a 9-year hiatus.
Why the British-built TSR2 still fascinates aviation enthusiasts
BAC TSR2
Why the British-built TSR2 still fascinates aviation enthusiasts
For many, the TSR2 represents both the ingenuity of British aerospace engineering and the consequences of escalating costs and changing military priorities.
Aerospace

1 Nov 2026

What does it take to supply the MOD?
Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
What does it take to supply the MOD?
Breaking into defence procurement takes more than a good product or service. Here we take a look at how UK SMEs can find opportunities, meet MOD requirements and build lasting relationships across the defence supply chain.
Defence

31 Oct 2026

Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
Former Defence Secretary John Healey MP is given a tour of the UK's Storm Shadow production line at MBDA's facility in Stevenage on 31 May 2025. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Rosie Hallam
Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
The UK government has launched a new offsets policy requiring foreign defence suppliers to invest in UK jobs, factories, and local supply chains starting April 2027.
Defence Security

30 Oct 2026

Cambridge Pixel expands radar options with Garmin integration
Cambridge Pixel radar tracker for Garmin radars
Cambridge Pixel expands radar options with Garmin integration
Support for Garmin's Fantom and GMR xHD marine radars gives maritime developers and systems integrators greater flexibility when selecting sensors for new projects.
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
headshot for Benny Czarny Opswat CEO
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
Compromised suppliers, unchecked files and insecure updates can threaten satellites before they reach orbit. OPSWAT founder and CEO Benny Czarny explains why prevention must start on the ground
Insights Security Space

31 Oct 2026

Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation from His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.
Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
HRH The Duke of Gloucester has presented Plextek with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its PLX-T60 sensing platform.
UK sets out plans for quantum technology in space, with secure satellites and navigation as priorities
Quantum Growth Alliance
UK sets out plans for quantum technology in space, with secure satellites and navigation as priorities
The UK Space Agency has released a roadmap to deploy quantum sensors, secure communications, and GPS-independent navigation aboard satellites by 2035.
Security Space

30 Oct 2026

Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
headshot for Benny Czarny Opswat CEO
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
Compromised suppliers, unchecked files and insecure updates can threaten satellites before they reach orbit. OPSWAT founder and CEO Benny Czarny explains why prevention must start on the ground
Insights Security Space

31 Oct 2026

Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
Former Defence Secretary John Healey MP is given a tour of the UK's Storm Shadow production line at MBDA's facility in Stevenage on 31 May 2025. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Rosie Hallam
Overseas defence firms face UK offset norms on contracts worth £50m or more
The UK government has launched a new offsets policy requiring foreign defence suppliers to invest in UK jobs, factories, and local supply chains starting April 2027.
Defence Security

30 Oct 2026

Cambridge Pixel expands radar options with Garmin integration
Cambridge Pixel radar tracker for Garmin radars
Cambridge Pixel expands radar options with Garmin integration
Support for Garmin's Fantom and GMR xHD marine radars gives maritime developers and systems integrators greater flexibility when selecting sensors for new projects.