Most London business firms would prefer the expansion of Heathrow. A report released indicates that 54% firms prefer Heathrow expansion against 30% who prefer Gatwick. These findings form part of a survey for the London Chamber of Commerce and industry that deals with key transport issues facing the capital.
The ‘Planes and Trains’ poll shows that 31% of business leaders see more efficient runway operations at the airport which they say is very beneficial to their firms. On the other hand, 17% see the extended hours of operations at the runway, and early morning arrivals, to be more beneficial to them.
Some 19% say improved access to Gatwick through railway is important to their firms. Easy access through public transport is an important factor to determine the airport one chooses and 61% consider this as very important. 58% consider quick processing times while 56% consider affordable flight costs as the most important factor.
55% of business leaders support plans for High Speed 2, with 54% of those opposing saying they would support it if the plans included a direct link to Heathrow. For the projected population increase in London, 44% of the firms support Cross Rail Two, as part of the solution. Transport for London’s tube modernisation plans for closure of ticket offices to help 24 hour delivery of Tube services has a majority support (57%).
As indicated by the Chief Executive of LCCI Colin Stanbridge, the government together with the Airports Commission will consider the fact that London businesses have more preferences for solutions focused on Heathrow airport capacity issue.
The London chamber speculates that in future, the economy of the UK should see new runways built at Gatwick and Heathrow, in a staggered approach. They also stress on the need to construct new airport infrastructure to help prepare London for the challenges ahead.
By Oliver Derek