Anger at HACAN AGM at threat to runway alternation

At the HACAN AGM held last week (1) there was anger at the threat to runway alternation posed by the forthcoming trials to override it during busy periods of the day. At present planes landing at Heathrow switch runways at 3 pm in order to allow residents under the flight paths at half day’s break from the noise. Earlier in the summer the Government announced that there would be two trial periods where planes would be allowed to land planes on both runways at the same time during busy periods.

The two runways would be used to ease congestion and delay at the airport. There would, though, be no overall increase in the number of planes using the airport. The annual cap of 480,000 aircraft permitted to use Heathrow remains in place.

At the HACAN AGM a succession of speakers stood up to express their anger at the prospect of losing their guaranteed period of peace and quiet.

HACAN Chair John Stewart said, “Although the total number of planes landing each day would not change, people are very angry indeed about the fact that they will no longer be guaranteed a half day’s break from the noise of the planes.”

The proposals will be trialled for a three month period beginning in November and then for a further 3 months in the summer. If, after these trials, the Government still wants to go ahead with the changes, they will be subject to public consultation.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

(1). The AGM took place Wednesday 7th September.

For further information:

John Stewart on 0207 737 6641; 07957385650

Press Release dated 12/9/11