Londoners prefer Gatwick to Heathrow expansion

New poll shows large lead for Gatwick

A new poll shows that a new runway at Gatwick continues to be the prefered option among people in London.

Londoners are significantly more likely to support the expansion of Gatwick Airport than another runway at Heathrow Airport, according to a new poll by Yougov.

The latest poll on airport expansion is the tenth YouGov poll which has found Gatwick to be the preferred choice of expansion.

The poll shows that 46 per cent preferred expanding Gatwick Airport. Only thirty-four per cent wanted Heathrow to be expanded.

Gatwick outpolled Heathrow on multiple criteria, including less noise and air pollution, more competition and the lower cost to taxpayers.

Gatwick is 12 points clear of Heathrow (46% vs 34%) – the largest lead since YouGov first polled Londoners on their preferred airport for expansion in September 2014.

Gatwick scored higher on the environment, cost for taxpayers, regeneration, competition and speed of delivery:

  • Encouraging vigorous competition – 41% vs 24%, a 17 point lead
  • Built at lowest cost to taxpayers – 39% vs 23%, a 16 point lead
  • Regeneration benefits to local area – 39% vs 24%, a 15 point lead
  • How quickly a new runway could be delivered – 36% vs 24%, 12 point lead
  • Certainty new runway can be delivered – 32% vs 2
  • Negative impact on quality of life for residents – 43% vs 24%, a 19 point lead
  • 4%, 8 point lead
  • Economic benefits to UK – 29% vs 37%, 8 points behind

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Chief Executive:

“Time after time Londoners say Gatwick expansion is best for the environment, for the taxpayer, regeneration, competition and for speed of delivery. These very same Londoners would be forced to live with illegal air quality levels if Heathrow expands – so their views need to be taken seriously. “

“‘Momentum is with Gatwick as more people recognise it is the only solution that balances the economy and the environment. It is also the only plan that is actually legal, so if we want Britain to get on with it the answer is obvious.”

N.B. Image credit: wikipedia.org

Internet links

Gatwick Airport (LGW)