A new report says that concerns around noise, carbon emissions (CO2) and local air quality ‘do not need to be a show-stopper’ for the expansion of either Gatwick or Heathrow airports.
The sustainability of UK Aviation by the Independent Transport Commission (ITC) argues, based on ‘rapid’ improvements over the past 30 years, that technological improvements will mitigate future increases in noise, CO2 and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
The report points out that the contribution of NOx and particulate emissions to poor air quality is caused principally by surface transport.
The ITC said: ‘The issue transcends the aviation industry and requires separate measures from Government that have been shown to alter land-based travel patterns (e.g. modal shift from car to rail) and reduce the NOx and particulate emissions surrounding an airport.’
Last week the cross-party Transport Select Committee heavily criticised the Government’s approach to airport transport access.
The Department for Transport (DfT) was told it needed to work closely with Network Rail and Highways England, as well as local authorities, to ensure a more joined up approach.
Dr Stephen Hickey, ITC Commissioner and chair of the its aviation working group said: ‘Whether the Government pursues the proposal to expand Gatwick or Heathrow, the ITC research demonstrates that sustainability concerns should not stop the UK realising the great additional benefits that increased connectivity can provide.
‘The findings suggest that noise and local air quality impacts can be managed downwards given the right mix of operational, policy and technological development, while incremental improvements in carbon emission output are being delivered on an annual basis.’
John Stewart, chair of campaign group HACAN, which opposes a third runway at Heathrow said: ‘The report repeats the myth that the noise climate around major airports has improved. But this is not living in the real world.
'You can only argue the climate is better if you ignore the significant rise in the number of planes passing over people’s homes. The report is right to say that individual aircraft have become less noisy but for most residents this is off-set by the sheer rise in the number of planes. I fear this is ivory tower research.’
Last year the Airports Commission recommended Heathrow for the site of a new runway but in December the Government delayed a final decision to look further at environmental issues.
