Council APPROVES banning PHV and taxi drivers from Hillingdon streets after anti-social concerns
London Borough of Hillingdon has approved a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at tackling long-standing issues caused by private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers and taxis in residential areas surrounding Heathrow Airport.
The new measures, set to take effect on 1 February 2025, will prohibit PHV drivers and taxis from waiting in these areas unless actively collecting passengers or living locally.
The move follows a public consultation, which revealed widespread support for stronger controls to address problems such as littering, parking violations, and antisocial behaviour attributed to drivers waiting for fares. Residents in affected areas such as Pinkwell, West Drayton, and Heathrow Villages raised concerns about blocked driveways, litter, noise pollution, and public urination.
The Council emphasised that the PSPO is not a revenue-raising scheme but a measure to restore quality of life for local residents. Enforcement will be conducted using patrols and camera technology, with penalties issued to offending vehicle owners.
The Council previously introduced parking management schemes and borough-wide PSPOs, but evidence suggested these measures were insufficient. Data collected over seven months showed over 9,600 parking violations by PHV drivers, most escaping fines as they left before enforcement officers could act. Additional reports detailed more than 900 fixed penalty notices for littering and other offences.
Public consultation feedback strongly supported the PSPO. Of the 356 respondents, 85% agreed the new restrictions would improve conditions. This aligns with feedback from Heathrow Airport Limited and the Heathrow Area Transport Forum, who back the proposal to protect residents while promoting the use of designated waiting areas.
While the measures have been welcomed by many, some PHV drivers voiced concerns over being unfairly targeted, with calls for better facilities for drivers near the airport. Heathrow Airport already provides an Authorised Vehicle Area with parking, toilets, and refreshment facilities, but uptake remains inconsistent.
