A controversial £2 “kiss and fly” charge at Leeds Bradford Airport looks set to stay, despite warnings over safety fears.

Opponents of the charge say lives are being put at risk by passengers being dropped off on Whitehouse Lane, in a bid to avoid the charge.

Planners were so concerned about the lack of free drop-off facilities near the terminal that they delayed a decision last month which would have allowed the terminal extension to begin.

Now they are being asked to allow the extension to proceed despite the fact that the £2 charge will remain.

The airport already offers free one-hour drop-off and pick-up facilities in its long-stay car park. Now it has agreed to provide a free designated area closer to the terminal building.

A report to the Leeds Plans Panel West on Friday says: “It is disappointing that the airport will not re-introduce the free parking period on the forecourt and there would remain a £2 charge. However, it is recognised that the income received is important to LBI.”