Stansted Airport Local Resident Discount Scheme: Ultimate Guide 2025 🛫

What is the Local Resident Discount Scheme?

The Local Resident Discount Scheme at London Stansted Airport offers reduced charges for residents using the Express Set‑Down area (the terminal forecourt). It’s available to those living within a 10‑mile radius of the airport.

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How much is the discount?

• Residents within 5 miles: £0.50 for up to 15 minutes

• Residents within 10 miles: £1.00 for up to 15 minutes

Anything over 15 minutes incurs standard parking charges (e.g. £7+). Exceeding 30 minutes may bring an overstay penalty.

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Who’s eligible and how to apply

• Age and address

  • You must be 18 or over, with your main address within 10 miles of the airport (measured from Enterprise House, CM24 1QW)

• Registration

  • Submit the online application form on Stansted’s official community page.

• Proof and vehicle details

  • Provide proof of address and up to two vehicle registration numbers (VRNs) matching your household.

• Processing time

  • Allow up to 10 working days for applications to be processed 

🔗 Apply here – Local Resident Card Application

🔗 FAQs and Terms & Conditions – Express Set‑Down Terms & Conditions

Barrierless Express Set‑Down: What it means for you

Since 22 January 2025, Stansted’s Express Set‑Down has been barrierless. This means:

• No need to stop and pay at a barrier

• ANPR (Automatic Number‑Plate Recognition) captures your vehicle details

• You just pay online or by phone, by midnight the next day.

• No physical discount card required—your VRN linked with your account applies the rate automatically.

  
  

📣 Pro tip: Set up an Autopay account via the payment portal to save time on every trip 

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Who qualifies?	Residents aged 18+ within 10 miles of Stansted Airport
How much does it cost?	5 mi: £0.50 for 15 mins; 10 mi: £1.00 for 15 mins
Is it barrierless?	Yes—uses ANPR to record entries, no card needed
How to pay?	Online/by phone by midnight next day; £100 PCN if late (reduced to £60)
How to apply?	Complete form on Stansted community page
Processing time?	Around 10 working days
Vehicles allowed?	Up to two VRNs per household; commercial vehicles excluded

Entrance of London Stansted Airport with its distinctive modern design, set against a clear blue sky.

FAQs

Can I update my vehicle registration?

Yes—through the same online form. Wait for email confirmation before using the new VRN, otherwise full charge applies.

What if I exceed 15 minutes?

Standard Express Set‑Down fees apply (e.g. £7), and a £20 re‑entry surcharge within 30 mins.

How many visits per day?

Two discounted visits per registered household per day. Additional uses are charged standard rates.

What if I get a Parking Charge Notice (PCN)?

Appeal via APCOA’s site and provide your discount membership. First-time PCN is £100, reduced to £60 if paid early.

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Final takeaways

1. Save up to £6 per local Express Set‑Down visit—a real family benefit.

2. No barrier, no badge—pay by midnight next day.

3. Only two vehicle registrations per household, and two discounted uses daily.

4. Applications take ~10 working days; encourage users to apply early.

5. Payment or autopay setup is essential to avoid PCNs.