All day flights worse than third runway (Twickenham & Richmond Liberal Democrats)

All day flights worse than third runway

October 19, 2008 1:49 PM

heathrow planes • THE number of flights at Heathrow could grow by more than a third - even without a new runway.

A decision on whether to allow BAA to increase capacity at the airport is expected before the end of the year. But the scale of opposition to a third runway - and growing doubts about its affordability - may instead lead ministers to seek incremental expansion on the existing runways. The Government's consultation document 'Adding Capacity at Heathrow' indicated that that using each runway for both landings and take offs could create additional capacity of around 60,000 flights a year at the airport. This will be possible because the agreement which restricts aircraft from taking off to the east from the northern way is likely to be scrapped. Campaigners are warning however that there is no guarantee that the 60,000 figure is anything like the full potential capacity of a two-runway airport. At Gatwick a single runway which is used for landings and take offs can accommodate 50 movements an hour for much of the day. If this was applied to Heathrow it could lead over time to an additional 170,000 movements a year - without the hassle of building a new runway.

Leader of Richmond Council, Serge Lourie said: "The impact on local residents of this 'maximum use' policy will be just as bad as a third runway. Using both runways will mean aircraft will be flying directly over the borough from 6am to midnight every day, allowing no respite for residents. The Government seems to be doing everything it can to sneak expansion in under the radar but we remain steadfast in our opposition to it."

John Stewart of HACAN added:

"If people thought a third runway was bad, the damage caused by all-day flights on existing runways with no switch at 3pm will be far worse. There will be a huge outcry in west London if people see this expansion by stealth being imposed on them. It's a real risk because we know how hard it is going to be to fund a new runway. All of us involved in the campaign for fresh thinking on government aviation policy will be urging London MPs to maintain opposition both to a third runway and maximum use of existing runways."

Heathrow currently operates at around 480,000 movements a year. The 2M Group is an all-party alliance of local authorities concerned at the environmental impact of Heathrow expansion on their communities. The group, which took its name from the two million residents of the original 12 members, now represents 21 authorities with a combined population of 4.5 million people and is supported by the Mayor of London.

Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats: