PEOPLE in Hillingdon are being asked to share their concerns about taxis or private hire vehicles waiting to collect passengers from Heathrow in residential streets. 

A six-week consultation launches today (20) and its findings will help shape plans to introduce stricter and more effective enforcement.  

People have reported that some drivers behave inappropriately, including parking inconsiderately, being abusive and even urinating and defecating in public. 

Currently, the council deploys staff to enforce parking controls, but says it is restricted by current legislation. It believes stronger powers are required. 

In the last year, 475 fixed penalty ontices were issued to drivers in the area and more than 90 complaints were made to the Heathrow Airport Nuisance Parking Portal since it was launched in April.     

A new Public Spaces Protection Order can now be used to ban certain behaviour that causes a negative impact in the community.  

The order, if introduced, would cover three wards surrounding the airport; Heathrow Villages, Pinkwell and West Drayton.  

Unlike parking restrictions which require an in-person intervention before a penalty can be issued, the PSPO would be enforceable using fixed and mobile cameras.     

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said:  “We know taxis and private hire vehicles, using residential streets near the airport to wait for passengers, have been a long-standing nuisance for our residents. 

“The drivers of these vehicles are already provided with official designated areas within the airport perimeter, but many continue to disregard this. 

“The new PSPO would help us find a solution to improve the lives of our residents.”  

The consultation will run until Friday, November 1. To respond, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/heathrow-pspo-consultation