Heathrow has announced plans for its own Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) by 2022, in what could be a world first.
The Heathrow ULEZ will introduce emissions standards identical to the wider London ULEZ for passenger cars and private hire vehicles entering car parks or drop-off areas at any of Heathrow’s terminals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Initial proposals for the Heathrow ULEZ could set the charge figure between £10-15, in line with charges set by the Mayor in central London.
The charge would help fund new measures to improve sustainable transport modes at the airport and public transport access proposed as part of Heathrow’s expansion plans.
In a statement the airport said: 'Over time with the opening of the new runway from 2026 and improvements to public transport access to the airport, the Heathrow ULEZ will transition into a vehicle access charge (VAC) on all passenger cars, taxis and private hire vehicles coming to car parks or drop-off areas.'
Former London Deputy Mayor for Transport and newly appointed Chair of independent Heathrow Transport Area Forum, Val Shawcross, said: 'This is a significant step change in Heathrow’s effort to clean up local ground level air pollution by shifting people into the cleanest modes of transport. I have never pulled my punches talking to the airport about local air quality and I look forward to continuing to hold Heathrow to account in my new independent role as Chair of the Heathrow Area Transport Forum.'
Exact details for the Heathrow ULEZ will be confirmed when Heathrow submits its final Development Consent Order application for expansion after public consultation.
Heathrow will be consulting on proposals for its surface access strategy, including Heathrow ULEZ and Heathrow VAC, in a statutory consultation on the preferred masterplan for expansion which will be launched on 18 June.
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