The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

128 Mayor of London
The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy
arrangements change only infrequently. This makes it even more
important that as complete as possible an understanding of the noise and
other environmental effects is established, so that no opportunity to
improve the situation is missed.
4C.22 At Heathrow, the existing system of runway alternation (see glossary, also
under ‘Cranford Agreement’) serves to provide predictable periods of
relief for many Londoners when the airport is operating in a westerly
direction. The Mayor recognises the value of this arrangement continuing.
The Government’s Air Transport White Paper seeks examination of the
scope for greater utilisation of the two existing runways, stating that: ‘For
example, mixed mode operation in peak hours might be introduced, while
retaining runway alternation for the rest of the time’ 20 . Any such
proposals would need to be subject to detailed study and full public
consultation. Westerly preference (see glossary) reduces the number of
take-offs over the more densely populated London areas east of
Heathrow. Take-offs have traditionally been more of a noise problem than
landings. The balance of advantage may shift as aircraft technologies
change. This aspect of current arrangements requires periodic review.
policy 41
The Mayor will urge the Government to pursue more vigorously noise
abatement operational procedures, such as Continuous Descent Approach.
The balance between easterly and westerly preference at Heathrow should
be periodically reviewed, in relation to changes in population exposure to
take-off and landing noise as relevant technologies change. The Mayor
supports the principle of giving predictable periods of respite to residents
through runway alternation at Heathrow; any modification would require
stringent justification and full public consultation. Studies should be
carried out, to identify how people across London are being, or may be,
affected by aircraft noise, in varying air traffic conditions, and as the size
and performance characteristics of aircraft change over time.
Operating restrictions, including restrictions on night flights
4C.23 London City Airport and Biggin Hill are closed at night. Northolt is not
normally used at night. Aircraft movements at Heathrow between 2330 and
0600 hours are limited to 5,800 movements annually. This represents an
average of 16 per night. There is a supplementary noise quota system to
encourage use of quieter aircraft 21 . The majority of night aircraft movements
are long haul landings in the early morning from about 4.30 am onwards.
There is a target to achieve Continuous Descent Approach (see glossary) for
90% of arrivals in the 2300 to 0600 period by the end of 2004.
4C.24 The Mayor has indicated that he supports the view that night flights
should be banned. The decision, however, rests with the Government. In