Government opposed to mixed mode
28.07.10
The government has ruled out increasing capacity at Heathrow Airport on existing runways through mixed mode operation – allowing planes to take off and land on the same runway. Transport secretary Philip Hammond told MPs on the transport select committee yesterday: ‘We are not in favour of mixed mode at Heathrow. The disbenefits to local communities outweigh the benefits.’
The previous government rejected mixed mode operation in early 2009, but approved plans for a third runway at the airport, having previously appeared keen to proceed with both. The new coalition government blocked runway expansion plans at least for the current term immediately following its formation in May.
Gatwick and other airports operate mixed mode, but Heathrow’s two runways are restricted to take-off or landing and switch each afternoon. Aircraft are louder on taking off and this gives local residents some relief from noise.
Mr Hammond also rejected the idea that regional airports could expand in place of Heathrow, rejected London mayor Boris Johnson’s plan for a new airport to replace Heathrow and restated the government’s commitment to moving domestic traffic from air to rail.
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