Getting UK visa prior to LHR - expediting @ Heathrow?

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I'm travelling with my father through the UK, Ireland and a bit of Europe towards the end of the year. We're both kiwi, hence it seems we don't need any visas prior to arrival in LHR.

I've never travelled through LHR before, and neither has my father, so I'm wondering if us getting visitor / tourist visas prior to entry from the High Commission would expedite entry processing at LHR?

Secondly, and unrelated to the above, give my fathers lack of mobility of long distances, I've requested special assistance with the airlines. What does this quite mean - just a wheelchair at the airports or quite what?

Thoughts and opinions gratefuly appreciated :)
 
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Assuming Kiwis are treated the same as Aussies at UK border control, then I don't see any benefits in applying for a visa. You are just adding cost to the exercise. Aussies entering the UK (and I assume the same for Kiwis) is a very quick and simple task, so long as you are not intending to stay longer than the standard entry entitlement.
 
When you arrive at LHR, if your father is in a wheelchair, or is collected at the gate in one of the electric buggies, you get to go through the "assistance" queue at border control which could save you 30 minutes of queuing.
 
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