Flightpath protest today
19.06.08
MPs will join campaigners in London today to protest against proposed changes in flight paths. The rally and march marks the final day of consultation on the flightpath plans which have been drawn up by air traffic control company NATS.
The first fundamental overhaul in routes for several decades, the plans affect a number of airports including Heathrow, Stansted, London City and Luton Airport. The changes to flightpaths over London and south east England could mean half a million people being exposed to plane noise for the first time. They have been described by a Buckinghamshire County Councillor as ‘little short of vandalism’.
NATS say the plans are expected to reduce by 20% the number of people affected by noise from departing aircraft flying below 4,000ft (1220m). The company also said that re-routing aircraft will enable them to avoid flying over as many towns and villages as possible.
Campaigners opposed to airport expansion and representatives of environmental groups will gather outside the National Film Theatre on the South Bank of the River Thames for a rally and speeches. They then plan to march over the Thames and hand in a letter of protest at NATS headquarters.
The plans need to be approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, with NATS hoping to introduce the new flightpaths next spring.
Add to: del.icio.us | Digg it | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
To book luton airport hotel or luton airport car parking at the lowest price, click on these links to two great luton airport car parking and luton airport hotel price comparison pages.
