London councillors support Gatwick expansion over Heathrow

Two thirds of councillors and over half of public prefer Gatwick

A new poll shows London councillors overwhelming support for Gatwick expansion rather than Heathrow.

The poll also confirms that London residents continue to prefer Gatwick expansion to Heathrow with the main issues being, as always, noise and air pollution.

The YouGov survey was published with less than a month to go before Londoners elect a new Mayor to replace the departing Boris Johnson.

Only two candidates can possible win that election, Sadiq Khan from Labour or Zac Goldsmith from the ruling Conservatives.

Both are totally opposed to Heathrow expansion.

In a separate YouGov poll, 44% of London residents said they wanted Gatwick expanded, with 35% choosing Heathrow.

Councillors were also asked for their views in seven areas central to the debate, with Gatwick scoring significant double point leads in six:

Negative impacts on local residents:  Gatwick 58%/ Heathrow 14% (44 point lead for LGW)

Built at lowest cost to taxpayer: Gatwick 47%/ Heathrow 20% (27 point lead for LGW)

Competition between airports & airlines: Gatwick 49%/ Heathrow 22% (27 point lead for LGW)

How quickly runway can be delivered: Gatwick 47%/ Heathrow 23% (24 point lead for LGW)

Regeneration of local area: Gatwick 43%/ Heathrow 25% (18 point lead for LGW)

Certainty of delivery: Gatwick 42%/ Heathrow 25% (17 point lead for LGW)

Londoner councillors thought that Heathrow was best for the economic benefit to UK with 46% choosing Heathrow and 28% Gatwick.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick CEO said:

“After decades of delay, Londoners recognise that Gatwick expansion can actually happen and that it is time to finally close the book on Heathrow’s plans. The UK cannot afford years of more delay so let’s get on and build a new runway for Britain at the only airport that can deliver it.”

Air quality is a crucial issue for London so it is no surprise to see continued strong support for Gatwick expansion and real concern around Heathrow’s impact.”

N.B. Image credit: telegraph.co.uk

Internet links

Airports Commission Final Report