Better Transport

The Government is planning a massive programme of airport expansion, doubling the number of flights over the next couple of decades. But people in the UK fly more, per capita, than any other country on earth. Aviation makes up 13% of the UK’s climate impact.

It’s not just the impact from all the aircraft overhead that’s the problem. Airport expansion will also lead to more cars being driven to and from the airport, increasing noise, traffic and pollution. Expanding Heathrow airport is expected to cause 10 million extra car journeys per year.

Instead of encouraging us all to fly, the Government should:

• Tax aviation fairly. Airplane fuel is not taxed at all; there is no VAT on air travel or even new aircraft when they are bought. The Treasury estimates that this subsidises the industry by a staggering £10 billion every year
• Withdraw support for airport expansion plans and seek EU agreement for slot auctions at congested airports
• Make rail a better alternative to flying. Rail travel should be a viable substitute for short-haul flights. But if rail is to compete, the Government must invest aviation tax revenues in making it faster and cheaper
• Enable businesses to reduce their flights. The Government should work closely with businesses to increase the take-up of teleconferencing technology, and improve trains with WiFi and power sockets so that people can work while they travelled
  

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