The government in Australia has asked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate airport car parking charges.

The ACCC will monitor airport parking costs at the five main airports in Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne. The move comes following a request by the Australian Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese.

"I recognise there are genuine public concerns about airports using their monopoly position to exert significant market power and charge higher prices for the various periods of stay - particularly short term stays to drop off and pick up passengers. We need to ensure that this monopoly position doesn't lead to the exploitation of the travelling public and their families," Albanese said in a press statement.

In its statement the Australian government says that short term airport parking fees at Australian airports range from A$4 at Adelaide airport up to A$13 in Sydney. In contrast it says short term airport parking at New York JFK costs A$6.55, and at Heathrow airport A$8.50.

The ACCC had previously monitored airport car parking charges in Australia, but the monitoring programme ended in 2007. Total airport parking revenue at Australian airports in 2007 amounted to A$206, an increase of 77% since 2002. In the same period passenger numbers grew by 41%.

Airports in Australia are investing heavily in airport car parking. Melbourne airport is adding 2,300 spaces to its multi-storey car parks in a A$60 million project, while Perth airport has doubled the number of its parking spaces in the last six months.

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