Parking at London Gatwick

[BeKookySheep]

My DH would be dropping us off tomorrow morning around 8:30 am and he is looking to park there for an hour. I found there is a long stay car park which is free for upto 2 hours, but it's a shuttle distance away.
I am looking for any ideas around how to park for free or cheap at Gatwick airport North terminal?

Long stay and the shuttle works really well.
Park up, the bus comes every few minutes.
He can see you off at the terminal and be back at the car and out within 40 minutes
All for free

There is no free option other than the shuttle to long stay. It is fairly fast and very frequent though. He can also use the drop off area of short stay, but there is a charge. I think £7 but check if planning to use.