Heathrow is set to have the world’s first airport Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which will force thousands of passenger cars and Private Hire vehicles to pay a “pollution charge” of up to £15 if they drive to the airport in older, more polluting cars.

Any driver intending to park or drop off a passenger will have to pay a one-off charge if their vehicle doesn’t meet the same minimum-emissions standards as the ULEZ. This charge will apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For further clarity, this levy will be imposed on the majority of petrol cars made before 2006 and diesel cars registered before 2015.

While the Heathrow ULEZ will be applied to Private Hire vehicles, Black Cab drivers will be exempt from this charge.

However, Black Cabs will be subject to the Heathrow VAC charge when it comes online with the new runway.

The exact amount has not yet been published, but it is reported that this charge will fall between £10 and £15.

Heathrow Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye said:

“Heathrow Expansion is not a choice between the economy and the environment – we must deliver for both. Today’s announcement shows that we will take the tough decisions to ensure that the airport grows responsibly.”

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.”  

Is the Heathrow ULEZ charge fair? Will this be the catalyst for other airports across the UK ? Tweet us your thoughts @PlanInsurance

Read More: Heathrow ULEZ full press release