PRESS RELEASE
16/12/18 strictly embargoed until 00.01 17/12/18
CAMPAIGN GROUP WELCOMES AVIATION GREEN PAPER PROPOSAL TO CUT NOISE BUT SAYS IT MUST RESULT IN A REAL DIFFERENCE TO PEOPLE’S LIVES
Campaign group HACAN welcomed the Government’s proposal in its Aviation Green Paper, published today for a 16 week consultation period, to reduce future noise levels for local communities.
The Green Paper sets out proposals for a new aviation strategy to cover the coming decades. It stresses the Government belief that growth is important for the UK economy but also sets “practical requirements to reduce emissions and noise levels” and plans “to embed noise exposure levels into the planning approval process”. Noise caps will be introduced and “regularly reviewed and enforced”.
John Stewart, chair of HACAN, the long-established body which gives a voice to residents under the Heathrow flight paths, said: “We welcome the proposal to reduce noise levels. The challenge for the Government and the aviation industry will be to ensure that local communities notice a real difference on the ground.”
The Green Paper also says the Government will cut air pollution from planes and will ensure that the planned growth in flight numbers is within the current climate change targets to get CO2 emissions from aviation back down to their 2005 levels by 2050.
The Green Paper assumes a third runway at Heathrow.
Alongside today’s Green Paper, the Government published a detailed assessment by NATS (National Air Traffic Control) of plans to modernise airspace. Over the next few years UK airports will be required to switch from a ground-based system to guide aircraft in and out of airport to the satellite system that is being introduced across the world.
It will enable aircraft to be guided more precisely which the industry believes will lead to savings in fuel and climate emissions as well as improve the resilience of airports.
Today’s report from NATS, commissioned by the Government, confirms that the new system will be workable in the congested skies of London and the South East.
The Government also confirmed today that Robert Light, a former leader of Kirklees Council, has been appointed as the chair of the ICCAN, the new Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise.
The final aviation strategy is expected during the second half of next year.
ENDS
For further information:
John Stewart on 0207 737 6641 or 07957385650