A taxi driver operating from Heathrow Airport has been ordered to pay a total of £658 after being prosecuted for illegally parking in a residential street close to the airport.
Council Crackdown on Illegal Waiting
Dale Tonlin, of Church Vale in Lewisham, was discovered waiting in his taxi on Doghurst Drive during a council patrol on May 2. The area is covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) introduced by Hillingdon Council in February this year. The order prohibits taxis, chauffeurs, and private hire vehicles from waiting in the Pinkwell, West Drayton, and Heathrow Villages areas unless they are actively picking up or dropping off passengers on those specific streets, or are residents themselves.
From Fixed Penalty to Court Fine
Following the initial offence, Tonlin was issued a £100 fixed penalty notice by an environmental enforcement officer. This fine would have been reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days, but the driver did not settle the penalty. The case was subsequently escalated to Ealing Magistrates' Court. At a hearing on Monday, December 8, held in Tonlin's absence, magistrates imposed a more substantial financial penalty.
The court ordered him to pay:
- A fine of £220
- A victim surcharge of £88
- Prosecution costs of £350
This brings the total amount payable to £658.
A Message to Drivers and Impact on Communities
The PSPO rules were implemented after a public consultation to address significant nuisance issues reported by local residents. Problems cited included drivers frequently occupying residential parking spaces, blocking driveways, littering, instances of public urination and defecation, and causing noise and air pollution by leaving engines idling while waiting for airport fares.
Councillor Wayne Bridges, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, stated: “The drivers of these vehicles are already provided with official designated waiting areas within the airport perimeter, yet many continue to disregard this.” He added, “I hope this sends a clear message that we will take all necessary enforcement options to uphold this PSPO and that anti-social behaviour which negatively impacts our communities will not be tolerated.”
The council's enforcement action has been widespread. To date, authorities have issued a staggering 6,252 fixed penalty notices to drivers flouting the new regulations around Heathrow.
