Overview
- From January 1, 2026, Heathrow will charge £7 per drop-off visit and will issue PCNs for any stay over 10 minutes at terminal forecourts.
- The charge applies each time a vehicle enters a terminal drop-off area, and payment by card is due by midnight the following day via online, phone or autopay, with £80 PCNs reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.
- Heathrow drivers can use Park and Ride car parks for a free drop-off under 30 minutes, with up to two hours costing £9.40 and Blue Badge holders exempt from that fee.
- Select Car Leasing’s research shows uneven rules nationwide: Southend charges £7 for five minutes and £15 beyond, while Gatwick, Leeds Bradford and Bristol already levy £7 for 10 minutes.
- Some airports allow longer or free short stays, including Stansted and Southampton at £7 for up to 20 minutes, and free windows at London City, Exeter, Birmingham, Newquay and Inverness; Norwich separately lifted its 30‑minute short-stay drop-off to £6.