A MAJOR UK airport is set to hike its drop-off parking charges starting tomorrow.

The rates will apply 24/7, 365 days a year, with millions having to pay up or face a long walk to the terminal.

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London Heathrow regularly ranks among the world's busiest airports, with over 79 million in 2023 alone.

To try and ease congestion, bosses have placed a charge on the drop-off bays outside terminal buildings for years.

But this is now set to increase from New Year's Day 2025.

The charge must be paid by anyone dropping off passengers, regardless of how long it takes or whether they are travelling.

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As it stands, the levy is £5 but this will be hiked to £6 from tomorrow.

The charging zone has no toll barriers but is enforced by ANPR cameras which record your motor's license plate.

The fee is applied as soon as you enter the charging zone, even if you do so by mistake.

Even worse, the drop-off area is covered by the London ULEZ charge so non-compliant cars have to pay an extra £12.50 to enter.

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That means you could be paying a total of £18.50 just to drop family and friends off from tomorrow.

Many cab firms also add the levy onto the price of your journey if you travel to the airport.

You can pay the charge online or by phone either in advance or by midnight the day after your visit.

Alternatively, you can pay on the spot by setting up an autopay account linked to your number plate.

Failing to make a payment can result in an £80 fine.

However, if you don't fancy shelling out for the drop-off charge, you can get up to 30 minutes of free parking at the Park & Ride facilities around the airport.

You'll then have to catch a shuttle bus or make the long walk to the terminal and get back before your ticket expires if you want to see your passenger off at the terminal.

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