Heathrow proposes congestion charge
Heathrow is proposing the introduction of a congestion charge for travellers driving to the airport.
It is going to tell the Airports Commission later this month that there may be a case for imposing a congestion charge once public transport links have been improved.
Airport bosses argue that the scheme would help ensure there is no increase in traffic with a third runway at the airport.
It said the charge would help to discourage drop off and pick up and would apply only for those travelling to the airport, not to surrounding roads like the A30, A4, M4 or M25.
"The idea is at an early stage and we will of course consult on these plans at the appropriate time," said Heathrow head of surface access Simon Earles.
Heathrow has pledged to increase the percentage of passengers who use public transport to access the airport from 40% today to more than 50% by 2030.
In the next few years, a number of public transport improvements are planned, including a Crossrail link to the City and East London, Piccadilly Line upgrades, new Western Rail Access for passengers from Slough, Reading and the Thames Valley, and the High Speed 2 connecting Heathrow via Old Oak Common to the Midlands and the North.
In a statement today, Heathrow said it envisages there could be exemptions in place for the greenest vehicles, taxis and for local residents, although this would be subject to future consultation.
"Funds could be ring-fenced to contribute towards major rail, London Underground and road improvements, as well as pay for further sustainable travel initiatives, public transport schemes and community transport improvements," it added.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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