The Mackay Port Authority fears somebody could be seriously injured, if motorists continue to ignore parking restrictions at the city’s busy airport.

The MPA is alarmed at a number of near misses involving passengers, alighting from vehicles outside the main airport terminal.

Security officer Steve Ahwang is urging motorists not to leave their cars unattended in front of the Mackay Airport terminal.

Acting airport general manager Ray Waters has appealed to people not to leave their cars in the designated set-down rank at the front of the terminal.

“It’s becoming a recipe for disaster,” Mr Waters said.” We already have had a number of near missing involving people jumping out of cars on the roadway because the set down rank is full or congested by motorists using it as an extended parking bay.

“We even had a situation the other day when cars were three-abreast – it was just good luck that no-one was injured.”

Mr Waters acknowledged that general parking was becoming an issue at the airport.

“Over the next 12 months more than half a million passengers are expected to pass through the Mackay terminal as the airlines increase capacity and with the introduction of Qantas’ budget-priced carrier Jetstar in May.

“Tenders are currently being called for the construction of the next stage of our car park redevelopment.”

Mr Waters said work was expected to start in late April and would increase the public car park to 410 spaces.

He said the car park expansion program would also include a new security facility with an additional 75 parking bays.

“We are doing what we can to overcome congestion problems. We are appealing to people to use a little commonsense and not to park in drop off zones and other restricted areas,” Mr Waters.