The Government announced today that it will make a final decision on Heathrow expansion this Parliament (by 2029), as the Transport Secretary announced a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which provides the framework for making decisions on airport growth.
As part of this she confirmed the review will include consideration of surface access needs should expansion go ahead. Without major improvements we would face even more gridlock on the M25 and greater problems on our rail network. Increasing frequency of services without major infrastructure improvements would also create chaos around our level crossings, with even greater down times.
I was joined by the shadow Transport Secretary on Monday in Pooley Green, where we witnessed 4 trains passing without barriers raising - another 12 minute down time causing excessive delays on local roads. Having highlighted these concerns in Parliament today, I am pleased that the Government have committed to review the operation of level crossings as part of the upcoming review.
The Government also announced that the final decision on expansion will be subject to 4 tests:
- that it contributes to economic growth across the country
- that it meets air quality obligations
- that it is consistent with noise commitments
- that it aligns with legal obligations on climate change, including net zero
It will be vital that this decision takes the views of local communities, passengers and businesses into account, and I will be engaging closely with this process in the months and years ahead.
