Uber drivers will have designated pick ups

UBER drivers waiting to pick up Heathrow passengers will be given a designated area inside the airport after it identified there were issues for nearby residents.

From next month, private hire vehicles will be a part of the new trial operation to prevent reports of anti-social behaviour.

According to Heathrow, drivers were parking in local roads, including residents’ driveways, whilst waiting to be booked.

Chris Joyce, head of surface access at Heathrow, said: “Heathrow is the UK’s biggest airport and a major transport hub requiring the valuable services licenced taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) offer our passengers.

“However, we also have responsibilities to our neighbours and find the reports of anti-social behaviour by PHV drivers unacceptable.”

He added: “We are committed to being a better neighbour, and since being alerted by local residents, we have worked collaboratively with local authorities, residents, regulators, the London Assembly and the private hire industry to address this issue.”

Villagers in Harmondsworth and residents of Stanwell in Surrey said there have been “punch ups when residents ask the Uber drivers to leave” .

An Uber spokesman said: “We take any reports of antisocial behaviour very seriously, and what has been alleged is clearly unacceptable.

“Whilst this issue is not confined to Uber, we would urge residents to report such behaviour so we can take the appropriate action.”

The news comes as Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye announced a series of changes, including a ban on night flights, to “go above and beyond what the Airports Commission have recommended” and secure a third runway decision from Prime Minister David Cameron.