Urgent holiday warning as driving to major UK airport could see you hit with a huge charge

EXPERTS are warning holidaymakers driving to Heathrow – as the airport is now included in the new ULEZ tax.

We all worry about getting to the airport on time before we go on holiday. However, travellers should be aware that it’s about to get a lot more costly. 

With the city’s ‘Ultra Low Emission Zone’ having expanded to cover all London boroughs on 29 August, travellers out of Heathrow Airport could be charged £12.50 a day.

Keith Hawes, Automotive Specialist and Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts warns: “Some car drivers will now face penalties if they are travelling to and from Heathrow Airport, with older vehicles the most likely to be impacted. 

“As part of the extended zone, drivers will have to pay a £12.50 charge in and out of the airport – a whopping total of £25. 

“Whilst the Mayor of London is expanding the zone to help with air quality, many motorists will view this as unfair as Heathrow already charges drivers a £5 drop-off fee – landing travellers a cost of £17.50 before they have even set foot in the airport. 

“Travellers should aim to pay their ULEZ charges prior to travelling (if applicable), otherwise, they could be fined on their return as it is possible they could forget while on holiday.”

Regardless of whether the ticket is from a private company, if you are travelling through the extended area you need to pay up. 

However, many drivers are complaining that car owners are being penalised for errors out of their control.

Keith Hawes advises what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

He said: “Firstly, some cars are being wrongly penalised because they are brand new or have had a number plate transferred over from an older make car. 

“If this is the case, make sure to challenge the charge on Transport for London’s website, stating why you are challenging the charge and any supporting evidence or documentation about your vehicle that confirms the vehicle’s compliance.

“Once confirmed, apply for a refund via the same website.”