A new loading area for vans will be built next to the Government car park at the airport, to deter illegal transport activities and ensure smooth operations there.

The Transport Department, Airport Authority and Police today met with the van and taxi trades to explain the move, which was devised after taking into account the trades' views.

Vans will have to pay $40 to use the area for the first 30 minutes, $60 for the next 30 minutes, and $80 for each 30-minute session thereafter.

Construction will take about four months. When completed, all vans and taxis will be banned from using airport car parks 1 and 4, but can use car park 5 for parking when necessary.

At the same time, the existing goods loading area beside the passenger terminal will be for the exclusive use of vans belonging to airport tenants or their suppliers.