Heathrow to introduce congestion charge at drop-off?

Heathrow Airport could start charging drivers for dropping off passengers under new plans to cut congestion if a third runway is built.

According to the BBC, the charge would apply to roads leading from the M25, M4 and the A4.

Airport bosses said the charge could help improve air quality.

The charge could be introduced in 2030 and the decision on cost would be made close to the time, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Heathrow head of surface access Simon Earles said: "The idea is at an early stage and we will of course consult on these plans at the appropriate time".

A Heathrow statement said there could be exemptions for the greenest vehicles, taxis and local residents.

According to Travel Mole, the statement added: "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."

Cait Hewitt, deputy director of Aviation Environment Federation, told the BBC: "The Heathrow area is an air pollution hotspot that regularly breaches limits on air quality because of emissions from both aircraft and from passengers and freight arriving at the airport by road.

"Encouraging passengers and staff to use public transport through a congestion charge is necessary now as part of a strategy to reduce today's level of pollution at the airport but it will be extremely challenging to promote this as a way of overcoming environmental objections to a third runway."

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