Heathrow Third Runway
Main Points of the Decision
3rd runway given green light, but plans for mixed-mode (all day use of the existing runways) dropped Mixed-mode would have meant planes landing all day long on the existing runways. At present, when landing over London, aircraft switch runways at 3pm to give residents in the boroughs closest to Heathrow a half day’s break from the noise. That system, known as runway alternation, will be retained – a major victory.
- Initially the number of flights would be limited to 605,00 a year (from current limit of 480,00)
- An increase to 702, 000 only permitted if Climate Change committee agrees.
- Environment Agency and CAA given role in monitoring air pollution and noise
- Plans for mixed-mode dropped
- Cranford Agreement abolished to allow runway alternation to be introduced when planes are landing over Berkshire
- BAA would be required to draw up detailed plans for a 3rd runway, consult on them, and get them agreed following a Public Inquiry. The whole process would take a very minimum of 2 years, well after the next General Election (last date for that June 2010).
HACAN View
We have never felt so confident we can win. Yesterday’s package has all the marks of being cobbled together at the last minute to head off a rebellion in the Cabinet and widespread discontent amongst Labour MPs. Few people take seriously the so-called environmental safeguards that have been put in place, far less the laughable attempt to call it a Green Heathrow. No, it is a Brown Heathrow bulldozed through a reluctant Cabinet by the Prime Minster. Mixed-mode has been dropped. Opposition to a 3rd runway is widespread and growing. The opposition political parties have all said that, if they win the next General Election, they will scrap the proposals. Because it will take several years to for BAA to draw up plans for a 3rd runway, it will not be this Government but the next one which has the final say-so. This announcement is not defeat, but victory delayed.
Click here for the arguments against expansion.
There are viable alternatives to Heathrow expansion
- A ‘better not bigger’ Heathrow would work for both business and the environment. Read the latest HACAN report
- High-speed rail has a role to play. Read the recent 2M report - 'High Speed North' - Joining up Britain
- Video-conferencing has an important role to play. Read a fascinating survey on business views
