Freedom To Fly Must Be Balanced With Others Right To A Quiet Life

1.27.03pm GMT Tue 16th Dec 2003

Speaking ahead of today's launch of the Aviation White Paper, which is expected to recommend new runways at Stansted and Birmingham Airports, John Thurso MP, Liberal Democrats Shadow Transport Secretary said: "Peoples freedom to fly must be balanced against other people's freedom to enjoy a quiet life, get a good nights sleep and breathe clean air."

"Over-crowded skies are not good for the people sitting in aeroplanes, or those at home on the ground below. Economic benefits must be balanced against environmental and safety considerations."

"The Government must begin managing the demand for air travel by improving other transport alternatives and developing a truly integrated transport system."

"Aviation is an important and successful British industry which plays a key role in supporting the wider economy. However the environmental impact of untamed growth is unsustainable and unacceptable."

The environmental impact of increased air travel was picked up by Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, who said: "Any growth in aviation must be sustainable. This can only be guaranteed if the Government ensures the full environmental cost of aviation is reflected in the ticket price. It has to be right that the principle of polluter pays is applied to the aviation industry."

"Particular attention needs to be paid to the issue of short haul flights which cause the greatest amount of pollution per mile. These are also the type of flights where a properly integrated public transport system could offer a serious alternative."