Noise and the Heathrow Hub

Heathrow Hub, the independent alternative plan for expanding Heathrow by extending the northern runway, has called for the creation of an Independent Noise Regulator to monitor and control noise at UK airports.

An Independent Aviation Noise Authority was first proposed by the Airports Commission and has yet to be taken up by the government. However, Heathrow Hub believes the model the commission proposed is slightly flawed. The new regulator should be a separate department of the CAA, as only then will it have the power and authority to persuade airports and airlines to change their procedures.

The commission also largely envisaged its Independent Aviation Noise Authority to be a consultation body. Heathrow Hub believes that its other duties should include introducing new operating procedures and spreading best practice, consulting on new flightpaths and collaborating with NATS.

Jock Lowe, director of Heathrow Hub and one time BA Concorde chief pilot said: “The UK’s approach to managing noise at airports is hopelessly out of date. The introduction of quieter planes and the use of new technology to better design flight paths could improve the situation for many people.

"Only an independent noise regulator backed by the CAA would command public trust in this important area of community and environmental concern. We do hope the government gives consideration to this idea.”

www.heathrowhub.com

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum