It seems that from October 2021 onwards, dropping off people outside one of Heathrow’s four terminals will result in an extra £5.
From October, it’ll cost you £5 to be dropped outside a terminal – like Terminal 3 – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
The £5 charge will apply for vehicles dropping off passengers at its terminal forecourts.
There are very few exemptions for this. These include blue badge holders, operational vehicles, emergency services, motorcycles, coaches, and colleague buses
As for everyone else – a fee will apply. This will include those being:
- Dropped off by a private car (driven by a friend, family, colleague, or random stranger
- Dropped off by a Black Cab (Licenced Taxi)
- Dropped off by a Private Hire vehicle
- Dropped off by a Ride Share driver (Uber, Ola, Bolt etc).
It is very if you are taking a taxi, private hire or rideshare that the cost will be passed on to you, as an additional fee on your fare.
The Terminal Drop Off Charge is payable online, via mobile phone, automated telephone service or by autopay functionality.
In addition, it will operate via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) – there are no barriers in the Drop Off area, thus you have got to remember to pay.
What if I do not want to pay £5 to drop someone off?
You will need to park at one of Heathrow’s long term car parks, and then shuttle over. Parking at these car parks is free for 29 minutes or less.
Alternatively, you can choose to take public transport to Heathrow. A bus from Bath Row currently costs £1.55, whilst a train from Hayes and Harlington will set you back £6.60
What is the reasoning for this move?
We have always said that we would consider introducing a form of road user charging and several other approaches to improve air quality and reduce congestion at Heathrow in our 2.0 Sustainability Blueprint and in the Airport Expansion Consultation documentation.
This charge forms part of our updated Surface Access strategy and sustainable travel plans. We updated these plans after reviews were conducted of all airport projects in light of the collapse in passenger numbers experienced at Heathrow due to the impacts of the pandemic and the subsequent loss of £5 million a day. This review included looking at Surface Access projects with the aim being that environmental impacts will continue to be prioritised and reduced, whilst we also protect the business and jobs. This charge goes some way in helping us to achieve this.
The Terminal Drop Off Charge replaces our previous plans to introduce a Heathrow Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (HULEZ) by 2022 and a Heathrow Vehicle Access Charge (HVAC) ahead of the opening of the third runway, which would have incurred a £10-£15 charge.
The revised Surface Access plan ensures Heathrow remains able to meet its long-term public transport goals, which includes reducing congestion on the roads around the airport and improving local air quality. Revenue raised through the charge will be used to offset airport costs, including future sustainable transport investments, as well as helping to lower passenger charges.
Grabbing that low-hanging fruit
Drop-off fees have been low hanging fruit for airports to recover operating costs – many regional airports in the UK already offer this (with some even charging rather large circulation fees for driving around the property).
Even Heathrow’s competitor – Gatwick Airport has introduced these charges.
Whilst Heathrow is making environmental noises, it is refreshing to them to admit this is a money grab to allow them to recover losses stemming from the pandemic.
But there has got to be another side of this – making public transport more affordable when accessing the airport. At the moment, if some kind persons were to drop you off at a bus stop at Bath Row, it would cost you £1.55 to take the bus (as the Free Travel Zone is no longer a thing). Even the cheapest rail fare is £6.60 a person from Hayes and Harlington.
For passengers who want to be dropped off at Heathrow, either prepare to pay to get to the terminal forecourt, or add extra time to your journey, for a shuttle bus from a long-term car park…
Where can I find out more?
Head to https://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/terminal-drop-off-charge. Free and Charged information for the long-term drop off can be found at https://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/heathrow-parking/heathrow-long-stay-parking
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