Heathrow airport has published a page on its website with information on what the expanded ULEZ zone could mean for customers driving to the airport.
The expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone – which levies a £12.50 per day charge on non-compliant road vehicles entering the zone – came into effect on 29 August, 2023 and covers the area around Heathrow airport.
Heathrow warns that the ULEZ charge “will be in addition to any other fees or charges associated with entering the airport” (for example the airport’s drop-off fee).
It adds that the charge runs from midnight to midnight every day of the year (except for Christmas Day), meaning that “if you drive a non-compliant vehicle within the ULEZ area across two days, you will need to pay two daily charges”.
This leaves drivers of non-compliant vehicles liable for a £25 charge when dropping off their vehicle at one of Heathrow’s car parks, and then driving back out again at the end of their trip.
Motorists will not be charged on days when their vehicle is parked within the zone but not driven, but a report by Sky News warns that some customers could be liable for a third £12.50 charge, if their car is moved while the customer is away (for example if a traveller is returning home into a different terminal than that which they departed from).
More information on the ULEZ charge and how it affects Heathrow can be seen at heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/ulez.
Note that London’s Gatwick, Luton and Stansted airports remain outside the expanded ULEZ zone, while London City airport was already inside the zone before its expansion.
