Archived press release

New bill calls for action on airport noise

19 January 2000

Aircraft noise already affects hundreds of thousands of people in the UK, yet aircraft movements are set to increase dramatically as the aviation industry seeks to accommodate the predicted doubling of passengers flying in the next 15-20 years. Local authorities are currently prevented from enforcing controls on airport noise except through the planning system when new airport developments are being considered.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) say increased noise can lead to sleep disturbance,increased cardiovascular problems and stress related illness, and a reduced ability to concentrate and lower child learning rates.

The Government's Integrated Transport White Paper commits it to supporting legislation giving local authorities control over airport noise [2]. The previous Conservative Government also promised in 1993 to give local authorities control over airport noise [3].

Friends of the Earth, Aviation Campaigner, Simon McRae said;

"For too long aircraft noise has brought misery to hundreds of thousands of people. Yet new laws to protect communities near airports are constantly delayed while the Government encourages air travel at all costs. While this Bill falls short in terms of bans on noisy aircraft operators and night flights, we welcome David Taylor's attempts to encourage Government action. With the number of flights from Britain's airports set to rise dramatically now is the time for the Government to give people living near airports some peace and quiet."

NOTES FOR EDITORS

[1]A copy of the 10 Minute Rule Bill - Community Protection (Airport Noise and Pollution) is available from David Taylor MP office (Tel: 01530 814372 - Estelle) or on the House of Commons website http://www.parliament.uk/commons/HSECOM.HTM

by tomorrow.

[2]In "A New Deal for Transport: better for everyone", the Government says: "We propose to take powers to enable airports to enforce mitigation measures, for example by taking action against non-compliant airlines, and to enable local authorities to enforce noise mitigation agreements" [4.221].

[3]The Conservative Government consulted on the Control of Aircraft Noise in August 1991.In its decision in March 1993, it said: "There will also be a number of changes to legislation,which will be introduced when a suitable legislative opportunity is available ...The Government proposes to introduce a general enabling power giving aerodromes explicit powers to prepare noise amelioration schemes and to penalise operators who do not comply with them....The Government also proposes to repeal sections 5 and 78-80 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 and replace them with a new power of designation. The new power will give the Secretary of State discretion to compel an aerodrome to prepare a noise amelioration scheme...The aerodrome will be required to consult locally about the scheme and to seek agreement to it from a "lead" local authority" ...Lead local authorities will be given powers to act against the operator of a designated aerodrome who does not take steps to ensure that an agreed scheme is being operated effectively" [paras 7-12].

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust