Go-ahead close for Heathrow runway

THE third runway at Heathrow could be given the green light within months, Chris Grayling announced last night.

The Transport Secretary said he was aiming to give the long- delayed project the formal go-ahead in the first half of next year.

After the election, doubts emerged over whether the project would get government approval.

But ministers are now increasingly bullish about prospects of getting the legislation needed through the Commons, the Mail understands.

They estimate around 300 Tory MPs will back the move – even though Cabinet ministers such as Boris Johnson and Justine Greening could oppose or abstain. With support expected from many Labour MPs, Northern Irish parties and the SNP, they expect the plans to pass through Parliament.

At the Conservative Party conference, Mr Grayling said the expansion ‘will make a difference right across this country’.

He also announced plans to roll out electronic tickets across most of the rail network by the end of next year. An £80million programme will enable smart payment methods, meaning paper tickets do not have to be used.