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Heathrow introduces new measures to remedy nuisance Uber drivers

Heathrow Airport has announced it is to create a purpose-built short-stay parking area for private hire vehicle drivers in an effort to prevent anti-social behaviour from drivers in the local area.

The move comes after distressed residents in villages neighbouring the airport complained that taxiing Uber drivers were urinating and littering in gardens and nearby streets.

In the measures revealed today, Heathrow will offer private hire vehicles, the category under which Uber drivers fall under, access to parking at a ‘dedicated, on-airport facility’ which will include toilet and food facilities.

Initially on a trial basis, the airport hopes the move will prevent drivers clogging up side streets and neighbouring areas as they wait for fares from passengers landing at Heathrow.

The airport has also announced it has been working with private hire companies like Uber to introduce geo-fencing, which prevents drivers from receiving fares if they are idling in a specific area.

Chris Joyce, Head of Surface Access at Heathrow commented: “Heathrow is the UK’s biggest airport and a major transport hub requiring the valuable services Licenced Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles offer our passengers. However, we also have responsibilities to our neighbours and find the reports of anti-social behaviour by Private Hire Vehicle drivers unacceptable.

“We are committed to being a better neighbour, and since being alerted by local residents, we have worked collaboratively with local authorities, residents, regulators, the London Assembly and the private hire industry to address this issue.”

It has been a busy couple of days for the airport, following yesterday’s announcement pressuring the government into green-lighting the controversial third runway proposals at Heathrow.

Today’s proposals look to be another aspect of the hub airport’s charm offensive as it tries to rebut any and all possible criticism ahead of the government’s crunch decision this summer.