Rail access “central” to Heathrow expansion
Improved rail access should be central to plans for an expanded Heathrow, according to the organisation proposing a new southern route into the airport.
Heathrow has launched a ten-week public consultation on its plans for a third runway. It includes a number of infrastructure proposals, such as tunnelling the M25 motorway below the new runway, the location of expanded terminal facilities, and three options for the length of the new runway (varying between 3,200 metres and 3,500 metres).
Graham Cross, director of Heathrow Southern Railway Ltd, said: “Even with the existing two-runway airport, there is an air quality emergency in west London to which road traffic around Heathrow contributes significantly. A third runway will make a southern rail link essential if passengers and airport workers are to access Heathrow without making this crisis even worse. The time for debate is over and the need for action is imperative.”
The southern scheme involves eight miles of new track leading into Terminal 5. It would enable trains from Waterloo via Clapham, Richmond and Staines, as well as a link to Woking and Guildford.
Unlike previous schemes, trains would continue beyond Heathrow, offering passengers from Surrey and Hampshire connections to Old Oak Common for HS2 and the Elizabeth Line, and into Paddington.
The Government’s draft Airports National Policy Statement requires Heathrow to maximise the proportion of journeys made by public transport. The target is 50% by 2030 and at least 55% by 2040. It must also reduce staff car trips by 25% by 2030.
Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow’s executive director for expansion, said: “We need feedback to help deliver this opportunity responsibly and to create a long-term legacy both at a local and national level.”
The third runway was due to cost £16.8 billion, but Heathrow now claims it can complete the project for £14bn.
Airlines expressed concern that landing charges would be increased unacceptably to help fund the cost of the third runway. Heathrow said that landing charges would remain close to today’s level of around £22 per passenger.
Rob Barnstone, co-ordinator of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, which represents MPs, local authorities and campaign groups opposed to expansion, said: “The consultation has major gaps in information, including the lack of robust plans relating to air quality and roads and rail around the airport. There is no evidence that Heathrow can deliver on promises made to local communities.”
The Department for Transport will publish final proposals this year for a vote in Parliament. If approved, Heathrow would then submit a planning application. It hopes to begin construction in 2021, with the runway completed at the end of 2025.