30 August 2023 , 12:59
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People parking at Heathrow Airport could find themselves hit with multiple-fines while they are away on holiday.
Passengers whose non-ULEZ-compliant vehicle is moved or transferred while parked at the airport could face additional charges as part of the newly expanded Ultra Low Emissions Zone, bosses have warned. The warning is particularly aimed at people using 'meet and greet' vehicle collection services.
Those who drive to Heathrow and who are not in a ULEZ-compliant vehicle will have to pay the £12.50 charge to enter the zone and will pay again each time the vehicle is moved within the charge area, Surrey Live reported. This is in addition to existing airport fees that apply elsewhere such as the £5 drop-off charge.
A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said: “The charge will be in addition to other fees or charges associated with entering the airport. The charge only applies when a vehicle is driven within the ULEZ zone and does not apply to stationary vehicles, including when cars are parked at Heathrow.
“Please note, if you have booked meet and greet or valet parking with a non-compliant vehicle, and have selected a different exit terminal to your re-entry terminal, you will be liable for payment of a ULEZ charge to transfer your vehicle to another terminal.”
ULEZ cameras have come under attack from protesters in recent months (SWNS)Drivers travelling in the zone in a vehicle that does not meet minimum emissions standards are required to pay a £12.50 daily fee or risk a £180 fine, which is reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. The zone was expanded on Tuesday to include parts of outer London, including Heathrow Airport.
It targets the most polluting vehicles - typically older cars. If your car isn't ULEZ-compliant, you'll need to pay each day you drive into the zone. London mayor Sadiq Khan first confirmed the ULEZ expansion last November.
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Nearly 700,000 drivers in Greater London could be liable to pay the charge now that the scheme has expanded, according to the RAC. ULEZ was first introduced by Mr Khan in 2019 based on plans laid out by Boris Johnson. Initially, the zone only covered the area of Central London, covering the same area as the congestion charge.
ULEZ is charged at £12.50 a day and operates seven days a week, except for Christmas Day. ULEZ applies against cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes) who do not comply with the current European emission standards.
Lorries, vans or specialist heavy vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes) and buses, minibuses and coaches (over 5 tonnes) do not need to pay the ULEZ charge. They will need to pay the LEZ charge if they do not meet the LEZ emissions standard.
Mr Khan has been steadfast in his support for the scheme, arguing that it is the best way to improve the air quality in London. He told BBC Breakfast: “We now have a really effective policy to reduce air pollution. It’s shown to be effective in central London and inner London, but I think clean air is a right not a privilege. What about outer London? Why shouldn’t they breathe clean air? Why should they carry on dying prematurely in numbers that could be reversed?”
The mayor said that it had been a “difficult decision” to expand the zone but a vital one, noting that 4,000 premature deaths a year are linked directly to air pollution. Mr Khan argued that the policy was proven to be effective in central London, where it had led to a 50% reduction in the main air pollutants.
This summer anti-ULEZ vigilantes have repeatedly targeted enforcement cameras while protesters have taken to the streets to voice their opposition to the zone. Footage has circulated on social media showing people cutting the cameras' wires or removing the devices. The Metropolitan Police said it had recorded 288 crimes relating to the cameras as of August 1.