Charge for Baggage Trolleys
Local radio has just carried a news report advising that coin-slots are to be fitted to Manchester Airport baggage trolleys (supermarket style). Quite apart from the effects of this on employment (and I totally sympathize with those affected) there is another issue here.
Foreign visitors rarely arrive in the UK with a pocket full of £1 coins. Banknotes yes, credit cards yes, but not small change denominated in British currency. So what do they do? Perhaps the coin slots can be modified to accept either £1 or EUR1 coins ... they're worth about the same these days! Perhaps they can put machines on the wall close to trolley distribution points which will exchange certain banknotes for £1 coins?
But some visitors will not be carrying the most common currencies of EUR or USD ... what if they are carrying Rupees or Icelandic Kronor? Will they have access to a currency exchange facility BEFORE they require their trolley from baggage reclaim? ATM's do not accept cards issued in all countries, so they cannot be the complete answer in an airport environment.
If Manchester Airport's management wishes to ensure that the airport never again wins a "Best Airport" gong, this initiative and charging for £1 for two small plastic bags constitute an inspired step forward in ensuring that outcome.