Heathrow decision delayed

Thursday, 4 December 2008 12:00 AM

The decision on a third runway at Heathrow has been delayed until January next year.

It had been expected before Christmas. More time is required to consider the "strong views" involved in the project, according to transport secretary Geoff Hoon.

In a statement Mr Hoon said: "I share the desire on all sides of the House, and among the wider public for this issue to be resolved. I am equally aware of the importance of reaching the right conclusion.

"I know that there are strong views across a range of interests. I will ensure that I give proper consideration to the evidence before me and will therefore take more time before making an announcement to the House, in January 2009."

Heathrow is among the busiest airports in the world, last year handling some 67 million passengers. However, the site has been dogged with controversy over poor service and delays, not least during the bungled opening of Terminal 5 earlier this year.

A third run way is supported by the business community, with BAA suggesting capacity could be increased by almost half if the project is given the go ahead.

At present 480,000 flights use Heathrow annually, this could increase to some 700,000.

Both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties opposed the construction of a third runway, while as many as 140 MPs have signed a motion calling for a rethink of the project.

The Tories propose a high-speed railing link between Manchester and London as an alternative.

Environmental groups also oppose the project, claiming in undermines government targets to reduce carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

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• transport