2M Wins Runway Alternation Pledges

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Opposition parties unite against mixed mode at Heathrow

The 2M Group   campaign against further Heathrow expansion was boosted on Tuesday after both main opposition parties confirmed that in addition to scrapping any proposal for a third runway they would keep runway alternation.

MPs from all sides joined in criticism of plans for a 46 per cent increase in capacity at Heathrow during a major parliamentary debate.

For many people in west London the prospect of all-day flights on the two existing runways would be more damaging to their quality of life than a new third runway to the north of the airport.

Ending alternation would mean the current relief provided when aircraft switch runways at 3pm would be lost. There would be no 'quiet' time of the day for residents to enjoy outdoor events.

Local councils have consistently underlined their total opposition to all forms of expansion at the airport which they argue has reached its maximum capacity.

Wandsworth council leader Edward Lister said:

"Every previous expansion was supposed to be the last. There can be no certainty that ministers and BAA would even stop at a third runway. We have to draw a line in the sand and say no more expansion. It really is time for some bold thinking about alternatives such as the 2M high speed rail plan." 

Richmond council leader Serge Lourie added 

"Ministers may have been hoping they could sell increased use of existing runways as a 'pain-free' alternative to an extra runway. People in west London will not be fooled. They value the relief provided by the 3pm switch-around and will resist any move to take it way from them."

HACAN chair John Stewart said

“The people of west London will be overjoyed at the growing support in all parties for retaining runway alternation. Yesterday's debate sent a clear message that Heathrow is big enough already."

You can read the full text of the debate which had contributions from all sides at  www.parliament.uk/publications

 

 

November 14, 2008