How can noise and carbon emissions from planes over London be reduced?

How should air travel be managed to minimise environmental damage and protect Londoners’ health?

The London Assembly Health and Environment Committee will next week question a range of experts about addressing the noise and climate change impacts of existing and future air traffic from the capital’s airports.

The Committee will ask about progress on curbing noise and emissions from planes, and plans to incentivise noise reduction. Members will also focus on the effects of night flights and how airports are engaging with local communities.

Murad Qureshi AM, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, said:

“The air travel industry is a major contributor to the economy, but the impacts of aviation – particularly climate change and noise – cannot be ignored.

“Noise is a particularly important issue for people who live close to London’s airports, as they bear the brunt of the detrimental effects.”

Committee Members will use this session and draw on previous work[1] to respond to the Government consultation on its draft Aviation Policy Framework (APF)[2], which sets out its approach to addressing climate change, noise and air quality impacts from aviation. A consultation on managing night time flights at Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick airports is due later this year.

The Health and Environment Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, 16 October 2012 in the Chamber at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1). Media and members of the public are invited to attend. The meeting can also be viewed via webcast.

Notes to editors:

1. The Committee has built up a considerable body of work on the environmental impacts of aviation. Read our reports, Flights of Fancy, January 2010 and Plane Speaking, March 2012
2. Read more about the Government’s draft Aviation Policy Framework
3. See full agenda papers for the meeting on 16 October.
4. Read more about the Committee’s work.
5. Murad Qureshi AM, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee, is available for interview. See contact details below.
6. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.