Rogue parking around Heathrow
One in two of every passenger that uses Heathrow Airport arrives or departs in a road vehicle. Of those passengers, half use a taxi of some variety – so one in four of all passengers. An obvious choice for some. The cost is outweighed by the convenience, feeling of control and, in some cases (public transport options are good from the London side, less so in other directions), choice.
Uber and Bolt ‘geo fence’ their drivers to the ‘Authorised Vehicle Area’ (‘AVA’) on the north side of the airport. Black cabs can only get a fare from taxi ranks if they join the queue in the dedicated area, again off the A4. However, other cabs can come from afar so may not be aware of the options (Scotland even!) or don’t want to pay for the dedicated parking. Rogue meet and greet operators will use any spare land or parking they can get their hands on.
Dr Roger Green (chair of the Local Community Forum) and I (Anthony Smith, chair of the Heathrow Area Transport Forum) spent a day driving around to see what is happening. We found ample evidence of the problems.
Our report can be seen here:
https://lnkd.in/ek8P6rmF
Heathrow’s response can be seen here:
https://lnkd.in/eAYwqXN3
So, the Heathrow Area Transport Forum which I chair, has got together all the stakeholders who need to play a part in solving this. The local authorities, airport, police, Transport for London, British Parking Association (‘BPA’), Local Community Forum and others have gathered to focus on these issues. A parking Special Interest Group was created to drive this forward.
There is lots more to do but good progress has been made so far. Among other things, local authorities, with Spelthorne Borough Council in the lead, are actively looking at more draconian parking and public space restrictions. Heathrow has funded enforcement activities and signs and is making improvements to the AVA. The BPA has rapidly pulled together a code of practice that will give consumer confidence when booking meet and greet.
The problem will never fully go away. There are also problems with truck and van parking – more on this issue to follow. However, we will continue to disrupt this activity to a point where it becomes exceptional.
Local people deserve no less.
Anthony Smith
Heathrow Area Transport Chair