Heathrow drop-off fee

Following the introduction of a drop-off fee by Gatwick (see BTN 12 April Gatwick drop-off changes) Heathrow is to follow suit with similar charges. Manchester Airport Group (Manchester, East Midlands and Stansted airports) have charged for some time.

The start date has yet to be set but is likely to be in October.  

All terminals will be covered by the scheme charged at £5 in the designated drop-off zones located directly outside the airport terminals.  There will be exemptions “for blue badge holders, operational vehicles, emergency services, motorcycles, coaches, and (what it calls) colleague buses,” with more details set to be announced later.

Heathrow said that charge will be applied “per vehicle for each entry into the charging zones,” and can be paid online, via a mobile phone or through an automated telephone service – again more information on this will be published ahead of the launch date.

Taxi and hire car users will find the fee added to their fare.

The airport said that “There will be clear signage on roads in and around the airport to ensure drivers are fully aware of chargeable areas,” and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be used to enforce the charge, with Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) issued to vehicle owners if payment is not received.

Free drop-off options will remain available at Heathrow’s long stay car parks.

www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/terminal-drop-off-charge

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Michael Davis, Geneva

Rip off Britain ... Again. £5 for a drive through drop off. CDG, €1.00 ....