Government's Aviation Strategy 'Disappointing'
HACAN claims it will permit growth without clear targets on noise
The campaign group HACAN, which represents residents under the Heathrow flight paths, has described the Government’s new aviation strategy, as ‘disappointing’.
The strategy sets out overall Government policy on aviation and replaces the 2013 Air Transport White Paper published by the previous Labour Government. The new policy will provide the framework for the Airports Commission which the Government set up last year under Sir Howard Davies. It has been asked to make recommendations about how much extra airport capacity may be needed in the coming decades so that the UK can remain well connected to the rest of the world.
One of the main objectives of the new strategy will be “to ensure that the UK’s air links continue to make it one of the best connected countries in the world” so that “the UK can compete successfully for economic growth opportunities.”
The Government also stresses that it wants to “ensure that the aviation sector makes a significant and cost-effective contribution towards reducing global emissions” and that the number of people significantly affected by aircraft noise is limited and where possible reduced. It does not, though, set noise or climate change targets.
HACAN chair John Stewart said, “The aviation strategy is very disappointing. It will permit growth without any clear targets to limit its noise and climate change impacts. Without such targets there is no guarantee that people or the planet will be protected.”
March 27, 2013
