Cable warns of 'major battle' over Heathrow noise
03.09.11
Business Secretary Vince Cable warned of a major battle between residents and BAA if two trials of mixed mode operation at Heathrow lead to locals suffering increased aircraft noise, thisislondon reports. He said runway alternation is an important safeguard for people living under its flight paths.
The Government has given Heathrow greater flexibility to use both runways simultaneously during two trials, in a bid to reduce the time planes circle before landing. It hopes the change will reduce emissions and could also cut - or at least not increase - noise pollution. The airport will start its first 3 month trial in November, followed by a second during next summer’s Olympics.
Mr Cable said: ‘There’s a commitment by the Government to protect runway alternation as a way of mitigating noise, and that has not changed. But there is a general problem about the way Heathrow Airport is operating, because of the large amount of planes stacking above the airport, all the waste of fuel and environmental damage.'
‘You can understand why BAA are trying to be more efficient. My view as a local MP is that we must not compromise the protections for residents on aircraft noise. If there is a proposal to scrap these protections, then there will be a major battle over it and I will be fighting to protect local people, for whom this is a major issue.’
A BAA spokesman said the trials would not lead to any more flights, but added: ‘We recognise that some residents are concerned about increased noise, which is why the new rules are being operated on a trial basis before the Government decides whether they should be adopted permanently.’
She said the measures could reduce delays, carbon dioxide emissions and the number of unscheduled night flights, which would benefit local residents, the environment and passengers.
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