Following the news of the Government giving the go ahead for a third runway at Heathrow, today Chris Grayling the transport secretary has said that building a ramp over the M25 would be a cheaper and easier option rather than building a tunnel for the M25. He also commented that this option would cause less disruption for drivers.

After the government gave the green light to the third runway the decision was met by angst by Boris Johnson and Justine Greening and Zac Goldsmith the conservative MP resigned yesterday after the decision was made. Chris Grayling commented on Mr Goldsmiths resignation saying he was "sorry" that he had made that decision and added that "Ultimately in politics you have to do what is best from the whole of the United Kingdom.

Lord True the Richmond Council leader told BBC Radio 4 that he would be seeking legal advice, he also commented that Heathrow is already busting air quality limits and is responsible from 40% of all noise pollution in Europe associated with airports.

He also added: "The fact that the government has already delayed action for a year results from our reminding them that they hadn't yet fulfilled things which they're required to do under the existing law."

However the Department for Transport has defended the decision and has stated that the new third runway at Heathrow will have economic benefits for passengers and the wider economy. The runway is also set to create 77,000 more jobs over 14 years.

A public consultation will be held detailing the effects of airport expansion before the government will put the decision forward to the House of Commons as part of a National Policy Statement on aviation. Members of Parliament will then go on to vote on the decision in the winter of 2017- 2018. However it is unlikely that the new runway will be opened before 2025.

Source: BBC

Author: Lauren Angell, Event Manager, CPT Events

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