What is happening?

The Department for Transport is proposing to expand Heathrow over the next 25 years, increasing the number of flights by 50% and the number of passengers by 100%. In November 2007 they issued a consultation document.

This presents several options, but the most likely will:

1. End the current system of runway alternation and introduce mixed mode takeoffs and landings from 2010.

2. Increase the number of flights from 2015 by 15% compared with today rising to almost 50% more by 2030.

3. Add a third runway and sixth terminal from 2020.

More details can be found on our proposals page.

We question the basis for Heathrow expansion and in particular:

• the economic case, which is flawed, has insufficient sensitivity analysis, and omits key costs
• the acceptance that all increased demand should be met with increased capacity
• the proposal to offset increased aircraft pollution by emissions trading
• the ability of an expanded Heathrow to meet traffic air quality targets
• the use of outdated noise criteria
• the absence of any immediate planning for future public transport to and from the airport.

Our case against these proposals is set out in more detail on our arguments page.

How will it affect Richmond?

The biggest impact on Richmond will result from the abolition of runway alternation in favour of mixed mode. Richmond Town and Hill could suffer aircraft noise all day and every day.

Heathrow currently has two runways. From 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, planes land on one runway, and from 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm on the other. This provides half a day's respite for Richmond for the 70% of the time when planes land towards the west. For the 30% when they take off towards the east, they do not currently pass over Richmond Town or Hill. Both of these arrangements are threatened by the proposals.

Mixed mode means that planes will land on both runways all day. It will eliminate Richmond's half-day periods of respite. But worse than that, it will dictate a change in takeoff flight paths. This will mean that for the first time, planes will take off over Richmond Town and Hill. So even with no increase in the number of planes using Heathrow we shall have no more quiet days, possibly from as early as 2010.

Over and above this, the proposed third runway and 50% increase in flights using Heathrow will:

• increase the number of planes flying over Richmond each day
• add to flights arriving between 6 am and 7 am
• build up pressure for more night flights
• cause more traffic congestion in West London
• contribute to climate change

How are we campaigning?

By encouraging visible public opposition

We will publicise events aimed at demonstrating public opposition to Heathrow expansion. Visibility of a high level of opposition is essential to all other aspects of the campaign.

Please see our home page for details of the latest events.

By influencing the influencers

Heathrow expansion will not just result in continuous aircraft noise in Richmond. It will introduce intrusive aircraft noise to many parts of London which currently do not suffer from it. And it will increase noise pollution all over the south-east of England as more and more planes use Heathrow. Road traffic pollution will rise. And fear of a plane crash causing ground casualities will increase.

Globally it sets a poor example to other countries by greatly increasing aviation CO₂ emissions when Government policy is to reduce them significantly.

On the other side, the economic case for Heathrow expansion is flawed and weak.

There are therefore many people and organisations who either are, or could be against Heathrow expansion. We will be contacting and briefing them over the course of this campaign. For further information, please see our home page.

And if you have any ideas of issues which you think we should cover or influencers who we should contact, please email us at action@richmondheathrowcampaign.org