More night flights over Brentford?
Recent headlines in the Evening Standard appear to indicate that the Department of Transport wants to dramatically increase night flights in to Heathrow before 6am. For those regularly woken up at 4.30am by the flights that are already allowed this is disastrous news. However we do have a chance to respond to their 'consultation.'The current consultation gives residents at least the opportunity to say what they think about this. The consultation closes on the 29th October. Hounslow council are asking us to do so. See their website: www.hounslow.gov.uk. It is worrying that something that could seriously affect our quality of life is in danger of slipping through almost without notice, few I speak to seem aware of what's planned. The consultation email is: nightrestrictions@dft.gsi.gov.ukPoints to raise could include the following from the HCAN website:There are pressures to sort it out:- The Terminal 5 Inspector recommended that the Government looked at extending the night quota period- The Secretary of State for Transport agreed it should be reconsidered when he accepted the Inspector's’ report in 2001. He said then:“The Secretary of State recognises that there is considerable concern about night noise amongst people living around Heathrow, and he intends to pursue the suggestion made by the Inspector. In accordance with what the Inspector says, he will consult on an extension of the night quota period when he next puts forward proposals for the night noise regime for the BAA London airports.”- The EU Noise Directive requires member states to measure noise levels over an eight hour night period.- On the Average Weekday the following reflect peoples sleep patterns. At: 6am: 90% asleep 7am: 65-70% asleep 8am: 23% asleep (Source: UK 2000 time use survey, published by the Office of National Statistics)- The Government has never produced any evidence to show how many night flights, if any, are essential to the health of the national economy. - BA stated at the Terminal 5 inquiry: ‘British Airways would operate no more night flights (leaving or arriving between 23.30 and 06.00), from the opening of T5, than it does today.’ Why shouldn’t they be held to their pledge?If enough people respond hopefully the government will moderate its proposals. I can't think what nights in Brentford will be like if they don't.
Phil Whitehead ● 7492d23 Comments