17 October 2006
We reported earlier in the year (see <a href=’http://www.flyer.co.uk/news/newsfeed.php?artnum=274′ target=’_blank’>here</a> and <a href=’http://www.flyer.co.uk/news/newsfeed.php?artnum=264′ target=’_blank’>here</a>) that the London Assembly was looking into noise and other issues raised by the use of helicopters over London. In particular, attention is being drawn to the heliport on the River Thames at Battersea.
The London Assembly has now come out with a report which claims a near 20 percent increase in helicopter traffic over the capital. The investigation also claims to have statements from 150 Londoners disturbed by helicopter noise.
The Assembly is now asking the DfT to introduce a charge for using London’s airspace, and an enquiry into helicopter noise. It also suggests incentives could be introduced for quieter aircraft.
LA member Darren Johnson told BBC online: “The situation will become unbearable for many people. Londoners already have to contend with endless noise from planes damaging their quality of life and now helicopters are adding to the misery.”
More: <a href=”http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6053224.stm” target=”_blank”>BBC News</a>
