The EnvironmentNOISE
Noise from aircraft taking off was substantially reduced between 1980 and 2002 as a result of the banning of the noisiest types (Chapter 2) aircraft as from 2002, but is still a serious problem. There has been little change in noise from landing aircraft.
Under the EU Environmental Noise Directive the UK Government was required to produce a noise action plan for the airport. They delegated this to the airport, as GACC said, like putting the fox in charge of the henhouse. BAA produced a draft noise action plan in June 2009. GACC put forward many constructive improvements. See GACC response. The Gatwick Noise Action Plan was eventually published in July 2011. It contains a few useful measures to reduce noise but no overall pledge to reduce the noise caused by the airport.
See GACC Evidence Paper on Noise and Health.
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NOISE CONTOUR MAPS A research study (ANASE) commissioned by the Department for Transport has found that the level of annoyance is considerably higher than indicated by the leq contour maps, and that as the standard of living rises people expect to live in a quieter environment. Read the report. NOISE INSULATION
Gatwick Airport provides grants for double glazing houses near the airport. GACC has given the proposals a modest welcome but say that it is sad that they come 50 years too late, and that they cover too small an area. Read our comments. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CONTINUOUS DESCENT APPROACH (CDA)
For some years the CDA procedure has been in force for aircraft arriving at Gatwick. Aircraft descend in a continuous 'glide' rather than, as previously, in a series of steps. This makes some reduction in noise, mainly from 10 – 25 miles from the airport. Details are given in a CAA booklet. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NOISE LIMITS
Maximum noise limits for aircraft taking off are 94 dBA by day; 89 dBA between 2300 and 2330, and between 0600 and 0700. At night, between 1130 and 0600, the limit is 87 dBA. The noise levels are measured by noise monitors situated approximately 6.5 km from the start of take-off. There are penalties (£500, or £1,000 for a serious breach) on aircraft which exceed the limits, and these are paid into a Community Fund. But because the limits have not been reduced since March 2002, when the noisy Chapter 2 aircraft were banned, few aircraft now exceed the limits. There are no limits on noise caused by aircraft on approach. GACC has pressed the Department for Transport to reduce the noise limits. In the 1990’s GACC campaigned for noise limits to be imposed on aircraft when landing, as for taking-off. This was subject to a major study by the Department for Transport with ten noise monitors deployed between Gatwick and Tunbridge Wells. But in the end objections from the airlines killed off the idea. GACC has pressed the Department to re-consider the scheme based on the annual average performance of each airline. CLIMATE CHANGE
Following the collapse of the UN Copenhagen Conference, climate change science is under review. GACC is not a scientific body and therefore cannot comment on the arguments . According to the Department for Transport, aircraft departing from Gatwick in 2005 emitted 4.4 million tonnes of CO2. The latest DfT forecast is for 3.8 million tonnes in 2030 This makes it one of the most CO2 producing sites in the South East. See also GACC booklet (2007): Gatwick - wrecking climate change targets. The Climate Change Act 2008 set a target to reduce UK domestic greenhouse gas emissions - excluding aviation - by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The official Climate Change Committee, charged with implementing the Act, has set a target for the aviation industry - to reduce aircraft CO2 emissions to 2005 levels by 2050. They have stated that demand for air travel will need to be limited to an increase of 60%, and the increase in flights to 55%. Even if aviation emissions are reduced to 2005 levels by 2050, the rest of industry will have to make cuts of 85%. The Government Response was published in August 2011. For GACC policy recommendations see Climate Change Choices ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
PEACE and QUIET'
As a result of the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in April 2010 peace and quiet descended on the Gatwick area for six days. GACC undertook a survey of public reactions. Impressions of Silence.
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The noisiest types of aircraft are banned between 11.00 pm and 7.00 am. The number of flights between 11.30 pm and 6.00 am is limited by a quota - at present 11,200 in the summer (seven months) and 3,250 in winter. There is also a separate quota system based on noise, with noisy aircraft using more points. Aircraft are classified as QC1, QC2, QC4 etc. A QC4 aircraft uses four points and makes twice as much noise as a QC2. A QC2 uses two points and makes twice as much noise as a QC1. There has been a change in classification which makes it difficult to compare past and future figures. The Government is due to consult soon on new quotas for the period 2012-2018. In 2006 the Government announced its decision on the number of night flights from Gatwick for the six years 2007 - 2012. The number of night flights remained at roughly the previous level but there was a gradual 10% reduction in the amount of noise permitted at night. The noisiest aircraft were banned (except when delayed). GACC welcomed this small improvement. GACC press release Gatwick has more night flights than Stansted, and twice as many as Heathrow. The total level of noise permitted at night each year at Gatwick is greater than at Stansted but less than at Heathrow.
LOCAL POLLUTION The most serious threat to the health of local residents, particularly those suffering from respiratory problems such as bronchitis or asthma, is NO2. Reigate and Banstead Borough Council have expressed concern that in parts of Horley pollution levels are only slightly below EU limits - which became legally binding in 2010.
For further details click here.
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ROAD TRAFFIC
With an average of around 80,000 passengers a day, and around 25,000 employees on airport, Gatwick generates a large volume of road traffic. This adds to congestion on the M25, and is particularly serious on the rural roads east and west of the airport. It also adds to local pollution.
For many years the airport has had a target that 40% of passengers should arrive or depart by public transport (to reduce pollution and pressure on the road system). The target was achieved for the first time in 2010. The proportion of staff traveling by public transport has increased as a result of the new Fastway bus system but is still only about 25% |
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