Tourists who intend to travel by London’s Heathrow Airport have been warned of a hidden fee that could mean more costs during holiday trips.
From 29 August 2023, motorists traveling to Heathrow could be affected by the extension of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Drivers who do not meet the ULEZ emissions requirements will be charged £12.50 per day.
On estimate, around 160,000 cars and 42,000 vans using London’s roads every day would be subject to tolls.
By implication, all motorists driving to and from the UK’s biggest airport are required to pay the ULEZ fee, including on Mondays on bank holidays in August when the ULEZ remains in full effect.
Charities and travel agents trying to help motorists avoid the fee have thus released warnings to tourists and travelers who will be using Heathrow from August. Head of road transport policy at the AA, Jack Cousens, told The Telegraph: “Many holidaymakers will see the ULEZ extension as just a London issue, but the reality is there is a lot more to the new borders than people expect.
“Drivers and taxi companies from outside London are being charged with a covert charge so Heathrow, TfL (Transport for London) and travel agents must inform holidaymakers of the charges.”
The ULEZ charge is enforced based on a vehicle’s declared emissions, and not the age of the vehicle. By this condition, more than four out of five vehicles in the UK already meet the emission standards.
