GLA urges the government to cut airport-related emissions

The Greater London Authority (GLA) has called upon the government to recognise the damaging effects of airport traffic and emissions from aircrafts on the environment.

This is in response to the government's consultation on the Draft Aviation Policy Framework which was submitted on October 31st.

“The Government’s primary objective is to achieve long-term economic growth. The aviation sector is a major contributor to the economy, and we support its growth within a framework which maintains a balance between the benefits of aviation and its costs, particularly climate change and noise,” the report summarised.

As part of the draft, the government was open about the fact that it did not have all the answers.

“We are seeking views and information relating to the questions that follow,” it said.

In response to this, the GLA has submitted a response which gives details of proposed measures.

The aims of the GLA are simple: to prohibit further damage to the air quality in London.

As well as using lower emission fuels on the aircrafts themselves, the GLA has advised that the current transport measures around the airports themselves are not adequate.

It believes that there needs to be a solution to the traffic problem if the air quality of London is to improve.

Murad Qureshi, chair of the Greater London Authority’s Health and Environment Committee, said: “Tackling the impacts of aviation is a big issue, both globally and for the people who live close to airports and bear the brunt of the detrimental effects. They could be in danger of serious health consequences.

“As politicians and experts gear up to discuss various options for airport expansion, there are understandably concerns that more runways and airports will bring increased noise and emissions which will seriously affect local residents’ quality of life.”

He went on to say that it is “absolutely critical” that the government get its policies correct in order to prohibit further damage.