FUMING locals slammed Heathrow tourists blocking their driveways for up to four months.
Residents on Malvern Road, in Hayes, London, are plagued by ignorant holidaymakers who use their street as a cheaper car park alternative amid an airport price hike.
Many frustrated homeowners are pulling their hair out over the “stressful” ordeal, as they fear for children’s safety.
However, some locals have taken advantage of their prime location and are now renting out their driveways to travellers.
Sade Rose, who works in a cafe, said she first noticed a build-up of cars at the top of the street two years ago.
She said: “It is very stressful considering this street has a lot of children on it.”
The 28-year-old added that she is unnerved by strangers coming to the street to pick up their cars, “especially late at night.”
Commenting on whether she lists her own driveway for Heathrow travellers, she said: “I wouldn’t rent my driveway out. It’s mine!”
Another disgruntled resident, Khurrem Shahzad, 45, who lives on the street with young children, said: “We get so many problems from it. We can’t even use our own driveways.
“Yesterday there was a commercial van completely blocking the driveway. He parked for one night and came back the next day.
“Every single day someone is blocking something.”
Meanwhile, pensioner Remonda Salida, who currently studies English and Computing at West Thames College and lives on her own, said she recently needed to rush to hospital due to a health scare.
But when she went to get in her car, she realised it was blocked in the driveway by a vehicle she did not recognise, forcing her to catch the bus.
She added: “People sometimes leave their cars here for three or four months.
“Sometimes I want to go somewhere during the day. When I come back in the evening, there is no way I will be able to park my car.
“There is no way. I have to go and find somewhere else to park. It is very difficult. It is horrible.”
When asked if she had sought to do anything about the problem, she said: “What can I do? The road doesn’t belong to me.”
And, Alan Patriarca, 45, who lives with his young family added: “Before, people used their cars to go to work and it was quite empty. Now it’s packed in the daytime. Especially during the summer. They’re different cars every day.
By Jacob Jaffa and Jonathan Rose
AN EXPERT has revealed three tips that could help you save on airport parking as charges soar.
Brits are starting to think about their summer holiday plans or even a romantic break for Valentine’s Day
And holidaymakers need to consider about where they park in order to make a substantial saving.
Luckily RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis revealed exactly how you can avoid those hefty parking fees.
He told The Sun: “Airports really have the upper hand when it comes to parking.
“Not only are drivers charged through the nose for dropping off, as previous RAC research has found, but long-stay parking can also cost a huge amount – in some cases more than the price of a flight.”
Rod advised drivers to book official airport car parks as far ahead as possible to help secure a reasonable value space.
He also described how some airports offer discounts if you agree to sign up to their email newsletters.
And finally he said you should look for off-site car parks that are ParkMark-approved which are safe and accessible.
But Rod warned that there are significant risks involved with leaving your vehicle in unofficial car parks.
“Sadly, using unofficial car parks can be a real lottery,” he continued.
“While the costs might be significantly lower than using an official airport car park, the risks can be high as there are too many stories of cars being left in unsecured locations or even being driven on public roads while the owners are away on holiday.”
A recent study found Heathrow airport was the most expensive to park at for one week, costing a sizeable £123 per vehicle.
At the other end of the scale though was Edinburgh, which charges holidaymakers just £34.99 for seven days.
In the three cheapest airports, Scotland was listed twice, with Glasgow ranking second most affordable at £54.99 for a week’s stay.
Heathrow is the only airport to charge travellers over £100 – as the second most expensive was East Midlands airport at £81.39 for the seven days.
Only four airports set their weekly parking fee under £60 – Liverpool, Glasgow, Belfast International, and Edinburgh.
Stansted, Leeds Bradford and Birmingham airports all charged holidaymakers between £60 and £70 to park their vehicles.
The only Welsh airport to make the list – Cardiff – ranked the seventh most expensive at £72.99.
Four of the London airports make the list – Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and Gatwick.
All besides Stansted make the top six most expensive UK airport car parks.
Outside of the capital, the airport with the largest passenger numbers is Manchester with 23.3 million travelling through annually.
The northern airport is eighth most expensive for those wanting to park for a week – charging £71.99.
The fourth cheapest airport car park in the UK is Liverpool – with a weekly fee of £55.99.
This is just £1 more than the cost at Glasgow airport.
Newcastle ranked as the fifth most expensive at £77.99, and is one of the eight airports in the table that charges their customers over £70 to park their cars for the week.
“Little children play around here during the summer, sometimes only two-year-olds. And the road is busy with cars.”
Alan said he mainly put the problem down to Heathrow members of staff.
Several Malvern Road residents currently list their driveways on the app JustPark, for up to £452 for just one week.
But one tenant, whose driveway was pictured on a £97 listing for the seven days between 17-24th August, insisted he knew nothing about it, claiming the landlord must have been responsible.
It comes as the cost of leaving your car at Heathrow Airport has risen by 11 per cent over the last year.
Residents in Malvern are not the only ones renting out their driveways to pocket some extra cash.
Parking is also available in Trevithick Close, Feltham, is listed for just £42 a week.
However, it is more than two miles away from the airport.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at used car dealership cinch, said: “The rising costs of airport parking present a real opportunity for people with spare driveway space near an airport.
“Before turning your driveway into a parking spot, you should check how much the parking around you already costs.
“This will make sure your prices are competitive, so your driveway gets as many bookings as possible.”
Hillingdon Council and Heathrow Airport have been contacted for comment.
