If you’re planning to drop someone off at Heathrow Airport, it’s essential to know about the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge. Introduced to reduce congestion and encourage sustainable travel, the charge applies to all vehicles entering the designated drop-off zones at Heathrow’s terminals.
The Heathrow Drop-Off Charge is a fee of £5 for vehicles using the terminal drop-off areas. It applies to all terminals and is in effect 24/7. The fee is enforced via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, so there’s no option to pay in person.
Paying the charge is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
Online payment: Visit the Heathrow Drop-Off website to pay using your vehicle’s registration number.
Auto Pay account: Register for an Auto Pay account to streamline future payments, then you can avoid missing deadlines.
Phone payment: Call the dedicated payment line for quick processing.
Payments must be made by midnight the day after your journey. Failure to pay on time could result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £80, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
Some vehicles and scenarios are exempt from the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge, including:
Blue Badge holders: Pre-registration is required to qualify for exemption.
Taxis and private hire vehicles: Registered vehicles are generally exempt.
Emergency vehicles: These are automatically excluded from the charge.
If you’d prefer to skip the charge, consider these alternatives:
Use public transport: Heathrow is well-connected by trains, buses, and the Tube.
Free drop-off area: You can drop off passengers at the Long Stay car parks for free, where a shuttle bus will take them to the terminals.
Car sharing: Reduce costs by sharing the journey with others.
Rooster’s app simplifies your journey by providing:
Congestion charge checks: Verify any fees or exemptions before you travel.
Affordable parking options: Use the app to find the cheapest parking spots near Heathrow.
Temporary car insurance: Need short-term cover for the trip? Rooster offers flexible, comprehensive insurance from 1 hour to 28 days.
The Heathrow Drop-Off Charge is an important factor to consider when planning your trip to the airport. So with Rooster, you can stay informed, save money, and ensure a hassle-free journey. Download the app today to make your travel smoother and more cost-effective.