Spelthorne Council wields PSPO to tackle antisocial Heathrow parking

Spelthorne Borough Council is tackling antisocial behaviour by taxi and private hire drivers waiting for jobs at Heathrow airport.

The council, which covers a number of towns and villages close to the airport, has brought in a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at curbing long-standing community grievances over issues such public urination, defecation and littering by drivers waiting for fares near residential areas.

On Thursday, the council gave the go ahead to setting up an exclusion zone within Stanwell Moor and parts of Stanwell, prohibiting taxis and private hire vehicles from parking. The PSPO, made under Section 59 of the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act (2015), is a strategic response to the ongoing issues, emphasising the council’s commitment to maintaining public order and cleanliness.

Previous efforts to curb bad behaviour have including the installation of double yellow lines and the creation of the Authorised Vehicle Area at Heathrow, where drivers can park up for £1 per hour. But problems have persisted, according to the council.

The proposed order has received strong public support, as evidenced by a consultation showing 80% agreement for creating the exclusion area.

Notably, exemptions will be made for vehicles actively picking up or dropping off fares within the restricted zones or for residents and companies based in the area. Implementation of the PSPO will be accompanied by an awareness campaign, the installation of appropriate signage, and enforcement actions including Fixed Penalty Notices for non-compliance.