Airlines "should pay for pollution"

November 29, 2002

www.express.co.uk

Airlines should be charged for polluting the atmosphere and the money spent on more environmentally friendly means of transport, a report says.

The Royal Commission on environmental pollution has also attacked Government plans for airport expansion, saying that more resources should go towards less polluting rail services.

The recommendations come a day after Transport Secretary Alistair Darling announced that Britain's airport expansion plans will be delayed.

Sir Tom Blundell, chairman of the commission, said the Government must encourage a "shift from air to high-speed rail" for internal UK travel and some European journeys.

He added: "Emissions from aircraft are likely to be a major contributor to global warming if the present increase in air traffic continues unabated.

"If no limiting action is taken, the rapid growth in air transport will proceed in fundamental contradiction to the Government's stated goal of sustainable development."

On Thursday, Mr Darling told the Commons that the Government's airport expansion plans would be delayed until at least next autumn.

It follows a High Court ruling that Gatwick airport must be included in the aviation White Paper.

The court ruling followed a challenge by Kent County Council and Medway Council - fearful of airport development in their areas at Cliffe.

Mr Darling said he had decided not to appeal against the ruling as it would mean "an extensive period of uncertainty for people up and down the country".

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