Motorists have slammed Heathrow Airport’s new £5 drop off charge as ‘daylight robbery’ as the policy comes into effect.
From today, all drivers who enter the terminal forecourts at Heathrow – however briefly – will be required to pay the £5 charge online during the same day.
Failure to pay the £5 fee before 11.59pm could result in an £80 fine, which can be reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
After Heathrow announced online the changes, the “environmentally friendly” charge has been harshly criticized by members of the public.
Alice Gribbin posted on Twitter: ‘£5 to stop a car for approximately 90 seconds? This is daylight theft.
Luke Robinson tweeted, “Absolutely ridiculous.” This is a poor, bad move that makes the airport experience even more hostile than it already has. Please reconsider.
Heathrow Airport’s new £5 charge is being enforced for all vehicles dropping off passengers at the terminal forecourts
The fees will apply to vehicles dropping off passengers at the terminal forecourts, with an exemption for wheelchair-accessible London black cabs and discounts for Blue Badge holders
Another user, Gboystyle, also tweeted: ‘Shame on you Heathrow, and don’t try to hide behind “it’s better for the environment and use public transportation!” Anything to get more money out of the human cash cow!
Ralph’s New Northam Army tweeted, “This is absolutely absurd.” So in addition to paying airport duties you’re using “access & sustainability” to fleece £5 more. What’s next? Charge £5 for saying Heathrow?’
Heathrow says that Blue Badge holders will receive discounts and business accounts will be offered to taxi drivers and other businesses who regularly drop off passengers.
London’s wheelchair-accessible licensed black cabs will also be exempt from the fee until April 1, as a consultation is carried out by regulator Transport for London (TfL).
Heathrow Airport stated that drop-off areas are located outside the terminal. This is the quickest and easiest way to drop off passengers.
“Our car parks are still open, and normal parking fees apply. Passenger pick-ups will continue via the car parks, and the drop-off fee does not apply to them.
‘You cannot pick-up passengers from the drop off zones.
Heathrow is currently the only major UK airport to implement such a fee. It insists that it is part of its long-term sustainability plan.
Drivers will see a barrage new signs about the new charges throughout drop-off areas
Motorists are reminded about the £5 drop off fee by new signage as they head into the airport
Heathrow has installed numberplate recognition cameras in order to track cars that drop off.
The new move was originally supposed to go into effect on October 1, but it was delayed until November 1st.
The changes were made on the same day as the traffic light system was ending. The red list will be scrapped today.