Heathrow Airport taxi touting concerns continue as TfL signage review remains incomplete
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Transport for London (TfL) is yet to complete its review of taxi rank signage at Heathrow Airport, despite previous commitments to address growing concerns around touting.
The review, intended to improve clarity and guidance for licensed taxi use at the airport, is being carried out jointly with Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL). However, the Mayor confirmed during July’s Mayor’s Question Time that while work will progress “over the coming months”, any signage changes would ultimately remain the responsibility of HAL.
Efforts to tackle touting at Heathrow have also been delayed due to an unresolved data processing agreement. HAL has delegated its Heathrow byelaw powers to TfL, but TfL cannot act on those powers until the agreement is concluded.
TfL said it continues to work closely with all involved parties to finalise the agreement, but no timeline for completion has been provided.
The Mayor of London said via a written response: “Transport for London (TfL) will work with Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) over the coming months on this issue and provide recommendations for improvement of signage. However, any changes would need to be decided and implemented by HAL as it owns and operates the airport.
“The data processing agreement has not yet been concluded and TfL continues to work closely with the relevant parties to finalise this agreement.”
In spring this year Aviation Policing officers, in collaboration with Transport for London’s (TfL) Cab Enforcement Team, shared details of a patrol at Heathrow Airport addressing illegal taxi and private hire activities.
During that operation, a male suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended.
That enforcement action formed part of a broader initiative to combat unauthorised taxi and private hire vehicle operations at Heathrow. Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed that TfL had identified over 60 cases of illegal taxi and private hire activity at the airport, employing both uniformed and covert patrols to target offenders.
