London MEP hails plan set to combat excessive aircraft noise

12.00.00am GMT Thu 21st Mar 2002

The European Parliament has backed a plan to bring in controls[1] on noisy aircraft and reduce noise at the worst affected airports in Britain, like Heathrow and London City, and across the EU. The proposal, supported by Baroness Sarah Ludford, London's Liberal Democrat MEP, will enable Member States such as Britain to use a range of measures to cut noise.

The proposal, which now requires the agreement of EU transport ministers, will apply to airports, like Heathrow and Gatwick, with more than 50,000 movements of civil subsonic jet aeroplanes per year. There will be even tougher rules for airports in the middle of cities, like London City airport.

Sarah Ludford commented: "The British Government should ensure this draft Directive is passed by the Council of Ministers and then pledge to take full advantage of EU law to impose restrictions on the noisiest aircraft. This EU initiative could make a world of difference to many Londoners, especially those living in the west and south-west of the capital."

"I also very much welcome the designation of London City airport as a 'city airport', which means more stringent rules will apply to it and therefore those Londoners living near London City airport will be even more protected."

Notes:

[1] Governments would be able to impose operating restrictions such as banning the oldest and noisiest aeroplanes, requiring noise abatement operational procedures, and noise-related airport charges.