Drivers face Heathrow 'drop-off' fee

Drivers taking passengers to Heathrow airport could face a one-off charge of £20 under fundraising plans for a sixth terminal overseen by BAA, the airport operator.

A daily congestion charge of £3 is also being considered for heavy goods vehicles using roads around the airport, including the M4. Leaked proposals suggest BAA is trying to raise an annual £137m to help pay for airport expansion.

The new charges come on top of a daily parking fee of £20. They would be introduced if BAA is given permission to expand Heathrow by building a sixth terminal and a third runway.