The call by the Transport Select Committee in its report, to be published tomorrow (1), for a third and possibly fourth runway at Heathrow has been branded by campaigners as ‘utterly predicable’.
John Stewart, the Chair of HACAN which represents residents under the Heathrow flight paths, said “This is an entirely predicable report from a committee which has always favoured expansion at Heathrow. The only difference this time is it thinks there might even be a case for two new runways. But its influence on the final decision is likely to be limited. That decision, which will not be taken until after the next General Election, will be much more influenced by voters distaste for a third runway that a predicable report from this committee.”
The report follows the publication today by the business lobby group, London First, of its evidence to the Airports Commission where it calls for the introduction of mixed-mode at Heathrow. Mixed-mode would mean both runways were in use all day long. It would end the current practice where aircraft switch runways at 3pm to give residents in the worst-affected boroughs a half day’s break from the noise.
Stewart said, “London First doesn’t seem to understand how much residents value their respite period. If it was taken away, there would be revolution even in Richmond.”
ENDS