HEATHROW was accused yesterday of imposing exorbitant car parking charges on low-paid workers despite the airport poised to set a new record for passenger numbers this year.

The airport is projected to serve 30 million passengers from June to September 2024, making it the highest number for that period in its history.

But Heathrow Airport Limited (Hal) raised parking charges from £27.19 to £81 per month from earlier this year — a huge 198 per cent rise, which GMB union has demanded be reversed. 

GMB London region organiser Perry Phillips said: “Heathrow works 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Many airport workers rely on using their cars for work because they work during hours not served by public transport or live outside of transport links.

“It’s time for Hal to reverse these charges because it’s the workers on the ground who have contributed to the success of the airport by dealing with the extra demand.

“More passengers is more work and penalising workers by hitting them in the pocket is no way to say ‘thank you’.”

Heathrow airport claimed the charge covers the cost of operating the facility and does not generate any profit.