DTW fines and tows begin at curbs as new 145-space waiting area opens
Wayne County Airport Authority will enforce strict penalties for unattended vehicles once construction finishes in late November, freeing up curb space for active loading.
By Amit Chukwu ·
Detroit Metro Airport will begin enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for parking at terminal curbs once a new waiting area opens in late November. Drivers who leave vehicles unattended or park in front of the Evans or Edward H. McNamara terminals without actively loading or unloading will face a $70 fine. WCAA police will also tow any cars left without a driver present.
The change coincides with the completion of the North Cell Phone Lot near Rogell Drive and Burton Drive. The new facility provides approximately 145 parking spaces for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers. Officials say the location is situated on the same side of the road as the Warren C. Evans Terminal, eliminating the need for drivers to park near the I-94 exit and use a turnaround to reach the arrivals curb.
Chad Newton, CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority, stated that the new lot reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to improving the customer experience. He noted that the goal is to reduce congestion at the curb and create a safer environment for everyone moving through the airport. Newton expressed hope that the change will increase the use of the North Cell Phone Lot.
Tadarial Sturdivant, senior vice president of emergency and support services and operations, emphasized that safety at DTW remains the top priority. He explained that the zero-tolerance approach allows officers to keep traffic flowing safely. Sturdivant added that the policy ensures curbside space remains available for customers who need to load and unload quickly.
The new lot is designed to ease curbside congestion during the busy holiday travel season. A separate cell phone lot near Eureka and Wayne roads is already accessible to airport visitors. The North Cell Phone Lot is expected to be ready for use in late November, providing a more convenient option for drivers who previously relied on the existing facilities.
The enforcement policy applies strictly to the areas in front of the terminals. Only active loading and unloading is permitted in those zones. Violators will be cited by WCAA police, and unattended vehicles will be removed from the premises. The new infrastructure aims to streamline the pickup process for families and friends arriving in the Detroit area.
