Council approves measures to restrict taxis from waiting in residential streets near Heathrow

The decision was made when the Cabinet met at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge, last Thursday (9 January).

Following a public consultation at the end of last year, the council received strong support for the proposed measures. A total of 356 responses were received, with 303 respondents agreeing that the new prohibition would help reduce nuisance, littering, and parking problems.  

The PSPO will prohibit taxis, chauffeurs, and private hire vehicles from waiting in residential streets in the wards of Pinkwell, West Drayton, and Heathrow Villages, unless they are collecting or dropping off passengers in those streets or are based or live there.   

The order will help to prevent nuisance caused by drivers frequently parking in residential spaces, blocking driveways, littering, publicly urinating and defecating, and causing noise and air pollution by idling while waiting to collect customers from the airport. This behaviour was having a negative impact on the quality of life for residents.  

The PSPO will come into effect on 1 February 2025. It will be enforced through on-street patrols and CCTV, with officers authorised to issue £100 fixed penalty notices for non-compliance. The council will also be able to use camera evidence and number plate recognition technology to issue fines to those identified as breaching the order. 

Failure to pay the fixed penalty notice could lead to prosecution by the council and a maximum fine of £1,000. 

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, said: "The introduction of a PSPO is a significant step towards improving the quality of life for residents living near Heathrow Airport. We have listened to the concerns of our community and are taking the necessary action to address the issues caused by these vehicles waiting in residential streets. 

"This new PSPO will provide the council with the necessary enforcement options to deter problematic behaviour and ensure we are delivering the solutions that our residents need for them to enjoy cleaner, safer streets."   

For more information on PSPOs in the borough, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/pspo.