Noise less important than economic benefits when considering airports say Londoners

Noise less important than economic benefits when considering airports say Londoners

Mar 24, 2014  | Transport 

Noise less important than economic benefits when considering airports say Londoners
(Photo by: Heathrow Airports Limited)

A new London-wide survey shows that aircraft noise is only the seventh most important aspect of a London airport for voters, according to new research from independent polling company Populus.

Eight per cent of those surveyed ranked noise from flights as their most important issue. Issues such as the number of destinations an airport flies to directly (35%), its proximity to central London (18%) and the economic benefits it delivers (10%) were all seen as more important considerations. Fewer than a quarter of those polled said noise from flights was among their top three issues.

Colin Matthews, Heathrow’s Chief Executive said:

“Noise is a vital issue for many people. This survey puts the spotlight on other aspects which are vitally important for Londoners when considering an airport: For most people, the number of destinations an airport serves, the economic benefits it delivers and its proximity to central London are more important than noise.

A third runway would enable Heathrow to serve more destinations and deliver greater economic benefits while continuing to reduce the number of people exposed to noise.”

Three quarters of those asked (75%) also believe that London needs a world class airport if it is to be a world class city.

*Populus interviewed a representative sample of1,039 participants in March 2014.

Via Heathrow Airports Limited
Image,video ©: Heathrow Airports Limited