The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy Mayor of London 145
policy 55
If aviation technologies and operational procedures prove unable to deliver
sufficient improvements in noise and other environmental performance to
match Londoners’ legitimate expectations, and the needs of sustainable
development, the Mayor considers that the Government should promote
international action to manage aviation demand sustainably.
Applying the polluter pays principle
4C.58 The Air Transport White Paper 46 states that, over time, aviation should pay
‘the external costs its activities impose on society at large - in other
words, that the price of air travel reflects its environmental and social
impacts’. The Mayor supports this principle, and urges the Government to
bring forward concrete proposals to implement it. The Mayor believes
funds raised should be ring-fenced for implementing measures to mitigate
the environmental consequences associated with airports, including noise,
and surface access.
4C.59 It is essential that funding, whether raised through Government or airport
operators, is sufficient to address the full impacts on surface access and
the environment. Monies raised should be distributed through Aviation
Environment Funds. Their remit should be drawn sufficiently broadly to
allow future support for projects and programmes related to noise
mitigation and/or compensation, and other environmental action,
including air quality and energy/carbon dioxide-related. For example, a
programme of improvements to London’s generally poorly insulated
building stock, beyond those already carried out under existing airport
home insulation schemes, could deliver noise, fuel poverty and
greenhouse gas reduction benefits.
4C.60 London accommodates over its built-up area the main landing approaches
to the nation’s main aviation gateway. This effectively makes a major
contribution to tranquillity in urban and rural areas elsewhere in the UK.
Recognition should be given to this in the distribution of existing and
future resources for noise reduction.
policy 56
The Mayor supports the view that the aviation industry should pay for the
external costs which it imposes on society, including those related to noise.
proposal 23The Mayor encourages the Government to issue proposals for levies to
mitigate the environmental impacts of aviation, which should be
distributed through Aviation Environment Funds for each airport.