FARE'S UP: London taxi drivers MUST PAY £5 Heathrow Airport drop-off fee from 30 April

London’s black cabs must pay a £5 fee to drop off at all Heathrow Airport terminals as of Saturday 30 April 2022.

Following a public consultation, Transport for London (TfL) recently agreed a number of changes to taxi fares and tariffs. Taxi drivers can now add a charge of up to £5.20 to the fare when dropping off passengers in one of the terminal drop-off zones at Heathrow Airport unless their taxi has been registered for a Blue Badge concession.

The charge brought in is part of Heathrow’s updated Surface Access Plans and long-term sustainability strategy. Income generated from the scheme will contribute towards new sustainable transport initiatives at the airport.

The airport say additional revenue raised by the charge will help to lower overall airport charges. In future, the airport hopes to introduce a new data-led, multi-modal Sustainable Travel Zone (STZ) that aims to provide passengers, colleagues and the local community with more sustainable transport options.

The Terminal Drop-Off Charge will be managed through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems - similar to those used for the London Congestion Charge and Dart Charge - and will apply to all vehicles using Heathrow’s terminal drop-off facilities. Blue Badge holders will be eligible for a 100% discount. Drivers will have the option to pay the £5 charge in advance, or by midnight the day after making the drop-off. Payments can only be made by card, either online or by an automated telephone service.

Taxi drivers are being urged to set up an autopay facility via Heathrow’s website to ensure payments are paid on time. Non-payment will result in an £80 Parking Charge Notice (PCN), reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.

Taxi drivers and other motorists can set up autopay by registering with Heathrow here.