Calls for quicker action on Heathrow air pollution
23.10.11
Environment experts and local campaigners have backed plans to reduce pollution around Heathrow, but called for them to be implemented more quickly. The calls came at a meeting on Thursday when the London Assembly’s Environment Committee heard from campaigners and representatives from the airport as part of its regular look at noise and air pollution around Heathrow.
BAA told Assembly Members that it plans to improve air quality by encouraging the use of cleaner aircraft, reducing taxiing times and cutting emissions from airport-based vehicles. Independent air quality consultant Professor Duncan Laxen said: ‘The issue is not a disagreement with the overall approach which BAA has adopted, but it would be a requirement to ensure that what is done is being done thoroughly and being done fast enough.’ John Stewart, founder and chair of campaign group HACAN, agreed that the airport operator had the right objectives but said the speed was much slower than he would like.
Murad Qureshi, Chair of the Environment Committee, said: ‘Pollution is a major problem in the capital and Heathrow has a role to play in helping clean up London’s air, particularly for people living around the airport. We are pleased BAA is taking the issue seriously, and welcome some of the plans we heard today, but echo concerns about the speed of progress. Action must be taken as quickly as possible to reduce the damaging effects of pollution on Londoners’ health.'
To book heathrow airport hotels or heathrow airport parking at the lowest price, click on these links to two great heathrow airport car parking and heathrow airport hotel price comparison page.
