Bristol Airport is under scrutiny for its £100 parking fines levied against motorists stopping outside designated pickup zones, with doubts raised regarding their enforceability. Legal experts, including former local government officer Steve Williamson, argue that the power to impose such charges lies with the courts, as stipulated by the Airports Act 1986, not with private contractors like VCS, which Bristol Airport employs for enforcement. This interpretation suggests that many drivers may be entitled to refunds for fines they have paid. Williamson's personal experience echoes this sentiment, having successfully appealed a similar charge at Humberside Airport. While the airport maintains that its enforcement system complies with relevant legislation, consumer lawyer Gary Rycroft agrees that the fines may conflict with legal requirements. The ongoing debate raises significant concerns for motorists facing steep penalties for minor infractions.