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

Serco and Baker Tilly UAE enter strategic partnership agreement
Serco Baker Tilly UAE MoU signing
Serco and Baker Tilly UAE enter strategic partnership agreement
A collaborative agreement between Serco and Baker Tilly UAE aims to bring their complementary disciplines to bear on pursuing a number of aviation and aerospace opportunities across markets in the Middle East.
Aerospace Member News

18 Aug 2026

Operation Blue Skies takes off with oceanic airspace trial to test AI-driven contrail avoidance
Operation Blue Skies takes off with oceanic airspace trial to test AI-driven contrail avoidance
Backed by the UK Government through the ATI Programme, Operation Blue Skies has brought together key partners to evaluate AI-driven flight path adjustments across North Atlantic airspace.
Aerospace Member News

18 Aug 2026

Red Arrows return to UK after delayed Atlantic crossing
Red Arrows back in UK
Red Arrows return to UK after delayed Atlantic crossing
The Red Arrows have reached RAF Lossiemouth after their return from North America was delayed by poor weather in Canada.
Aerospace Defence

17 Aug 2026

Second Front Systems appoints Cody Barrow as Head of EMEA
Second Front software
Second Front Systems appoints Cody Barrow as Head of EMEA
The former founding member of US Cyber Command, Cody Barrow, has joined Second Front Systems (2F) – bringing more than 20 years' experience in defence and cybersecurity – to head up the company's commercial strategy.
Red Arrows return to UK after delayed Atlantic crossing
Red Arrows back in UK
Red Arrows return to UK after delayed Atlantic crossing
The Red Arrows have reached RAF Lossiemouth after their return from North America was delayed by poor weather in Canada.
Aerospace Defence

17 Aug 2026

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026: What to expect as RAF takes centre stage
Pictured here is the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows Aerobatic Display Team flying over Edinburgh City and Castle for the grand opening of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Saturday 12th August 2023 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT) is the largest military engagement event in Scotland and one of the largest in the UK, which is held over several nights during the month of August on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Bringing together stories through music, dance, poetry, spoken word and imagery, a cast of over 800 UK and international performers will present ‘Stories’ through vivid and eclectic range of expression. The Tattoo will host performers from Norway, The United States, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago and Switzerland alongside acts from across the Uk and Ireland. The military will take a prominent role in the show with the Royal Air Force being the lead service this year.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026: What to expect as RAF takes centre stage
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is underway at Edinburgh Castle, with more than 800 performers and RAF flypasts featuring in the 2026 show.
Aerospace Defence

17 Aug 2026

UK satellite funding targets connectivity ‘not-spots’ for farmers and remote railways
Young farmer works with a digital tablet in a wheat field, smart farm and quality control
UK satellite funding targets connectivity ‘not-spots’ for farmers and remote railways
British farmers and passengers travelling through remote parts of Scotland could gain better connectivity through a new £13 million package backing 16 UK satellite communications projects.
Space

18 Aug 2026

SatVu’s space-based thermal intelligence reveals status of Texan LNG terminal
Golden Pass LNG terminal in Texas
SatVu’s space-based thermal intelligence reveals status of Texan LNG terminal
By using HotSat-2's MWIR sensor, SatVu has captured thermal data over the Golden Pass LNG terminal in Texas, with AllSource Analysis attributing thermal activity to the individual units and equipment within.
Member News Space

14 Aug 2026

MDA Space opens CHORUS Control Centre
Chorus: generated image.
MDA Space opens CHORUS Control Centre
With the opening of its new control centre, MDA Space has moved closer to operational readiness ahead of the launch of its CHORUS satellite constellation later this year.
Member News Space

13 Aug 2026

Second Front Systems appoints Cody Barrow as Head of EMEA
Second Front software
Second Front Systems appoints Cody Barrow as Head of EMEA
The former founding member of US Cyber Command, Cody Barrow, has joined Second Front Systems (2F) – bringing more than 20 years' experience in defence and cybersecurity – to head up the company's commercial strategy.
UK security innovators invited to join S&P 2027 Immersive Experience
Security and policing conference call for participants for immersive experience
UK security innovators invited to join S&P 2027 Immersive Experience
UK companies and academia are being invited to showcase their technology as part of the live Immersive Experience at Security & Policing 2027.
Member News Security

17 Aug 2026

NPAS provides aerial support for emergency responses in West Midlands and Sussex
West Midlands wildfires
NPAS provides aerial support for emergency responses in West Midlands and Sussex
As part of multi-agency responses to wildfires in the West Midlands and a train derailment in East Sussex last week, the National Police Air Service (NPAS) delivered aerial oversights and intelligence to help coordinate the efforts of the emergency services on the ground.
Aerospace Security

17 Aug 2026