Thousands of taxi and private hire drivers have been hit with financial penalties for parking illegally on residential streets close to Heathrow Airport. The action forms part of a major enforcement operation launched by Hillingdon Council in West London.
Scale of the Enforcement Action
Since the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in February of this year, the local authority has issued a staggering 6,252 fixed penalty notices. The vast majority of these fines were given to drivers waiting for passengers arriving on flights, who chose to ignore designated waiting areas.
One driver, Dale Tonlin from Church Vale in Lewisham, was caught during a patrol on May 2 waiting in his taxi on Doghurst Drive. He has now been fined more than £650 for his breach of the rules.
MP and Council Condemn Driver Behaviour
The issue has reached Parliament, with Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell tabling an Early Day Motion to highlight the severe impact on local communities. The motion expressed "grave concern" at the problems caused by "rogue drivers" of private hire vehicles.
It cited incidents of physical, verbal and racial abuse, as well as littering and defecation in residential areas, labelling the conduct as anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Wayne Bridges emphasised that official waiting areas are provided within the airport boundary. "Yet many continue to disregard this," he stated. Bridges warned that the council would use all necessary enforcement options to uphold the PSPO, sending a clear message that such behaviour "will not be tolerated."
Heathrow Airport Backs the Crackdown
Heathrow Airport has publicly supported Hillingdon Council's stringent approach. A spokesperson for the airport stated that everyone who drives to the airport "should respect our neighbours."
"We have dedicated waiting facilities at the airport for taxis and private hire vehicles, and we support Hillingdon's plans to keep local roads clear for residents," the spokesperson added.
The PSPO, which came into force earlier this year, specifically prohibits taxis, chauffeurs, and private hire vehicles from waiting in the areas of Pinkwell, West Drayton, and Heathrow Villages. Exemptions are only made for drivers who are actively dropping off or picking up passengers on those specific streets, or for residents who live there.
