Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet has approved proposals to implement a new Public Spaces Protection Order to stop taxis and private hire vehicles waiting in residential streets near Heathrow Airport…reports Asian Lite News
Hillingdon Council has approved a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at curbing nuisance behavior in residential areas near Heathrow Airport. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held at the Civic Centre last Thursday, following overwhelming public support for the measures.
The new PSPO, which takes effect on 1 February 2025, will prohibit taxis, chauffeurs, and private hire vehicles from waiting in residential streets in the Pinkwell, West Drayton, and Heathrow Villages wards unless they are actively picking up or dropping off passengers, or reside in those areas.
A public consultation conducted late last year garnered 356 responses, with 303 participants agreeing that the prohibition would alleviate issues such as littering, parking congestion, and general nuisance.
The council highlighted the recurring problems caused by drivers parking in residential areas while waiting to collect passengers from the airport. These issues include blocked driveways, littering, noise pollution, idling engines, and even instances of public urination and defecation.
Enforcement of the PSPO will involve on-street patrols, CCTV monitoring, and the use of number plate recognition technology. Offenders will face £100 fixed penalty notices, with non-payment potentially resulting in prosecution and fines of up to £1,000.
Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, praised the move, “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 behavior and ensure we are delivering the solutions that our residents need for them to enjoy cleaner, safer streets.”
The council’s measures aim to enhance the living conditions for local residents, promoting cleaner and more peaceful neighborhoods near one of the world’s busiest airports.
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