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Heathrow Lifts Drop‑Off Fee to £7 and Imposes 10‑Minute Limit From Jan. 1, 2026

Heathrow frames the changes as a congestion‑cutting sustainability measure encouraging greater use of public transport.

Overview

  • Drivers who overstay or fail to pay by the deadline face an £80 Parking Charge Notice, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
  • Payments must be made by card online, by phone or via autopay by midnight the day after the visit, with no on‑site machines available.
  • Blue Badge holders receive a 100% discount and are exempt from the 10‑minute limit, while free drop‑off and pick‑up remain available via Park & Ride car parks.
  • Each entry to a terminal forecourt incurs a separate charge, and Heathrow says 95% of drop‑offs are completed within ten minutes.
  • Motoring and business groups, taxi drivers and consumer advocates criticize the policy as unfair and costly, as Heathrow notes similar fees at other major UK airports.