Court to rule on night flight curbs
A High Court case in May could force transport secretary Ruth Kelly to slash the number of aircraft allowed to arrive at Heathrow before 6am.
A group of local authorities in south west London and Berkshire are seeking a judicial review of the Government's failure to tackle errors in its night flight quota system.
Having admitted the discrepancies the Government could have reduced the disturbance for residents by withdrawing the noisier aircraft. The councils will argue that the transport secretary is failing in her duty to protect residents from excessive noise at night.
Wandsworth council leader Edward Lister said:
The current airport expansion plans will bring even more early morning flights in the period just after 6am. If we win, it could mean the Government having to set limits for the first time at this time of day.
We are also aiming to achieve some much needed relief for residents in the 4.30am-6am period. If by the Government's own rules some aircraft types are too noisy to fly, they should be grounded.
The judicial review will be heard by Mr Justice Sullivan and has been set for May 20-22.
* The challenge is being led by Wandsworth and Richmond councils and is supported by the 2M Group which opposes Heathrow expansion. www.wandsworth.gov.uk/aviation