The Mackay Port Authority is appealing to motorists to respect new parking restrictions at Mackay’s award winning airport.

Mackay Airport acting co-ordinator Greg Coad and security officer Col Bourne with the new parking signs now erected at the entrance to the terminal.

The MPA is concerned that drivers are using the drop off bay at the entrance of the terminal as a car park.

Mackay Airport general manager Trevor Heard said new parking signs were erected this week highlighting the restrictions and the two minute standing zones.

“The safety of all people who visit the airport has always been one of our main priorities -- but potentially hazardous situations are arising as people ‘double park’ at the terminal entrance,” he said. 

 “Mackay Airport is a very busy place over the festive season and we are just appealing to people to please do the right thing by other travellers.

“We’re handling more than a thousand people a day and it’s important the drop off bay isn’t congested with parked cars.

“Just this week we had to go looking for a driver who parked his car across a pedestrian walkway. We found him in the snack bar having a cup of coffee.”

Mr Heard said the new signs included a “tow away” provision.

“There are a lot of issues here - including security,” he said. “Unattended cars can’t be left at the airport terminal entrance. Some airports don’t even allow drop off zones.”

Mr Heard appealed to motorists to respect the directions of security officers, who were currently policing the congestion issue.

“Everyone will benefit if we can all work together,” he said.

Mr Heard said more than 400 000 passengers were expected to pass through the terminal this year.