Populus Poll
07.10.07More local residents support a third runway at Heathrow than oppose it, according to a new Populus poll published by Future Heathrow today. The survey also shows that people in the local area think that the advantages of Heathrow generally outweigh the disadvantages. The poll asked more than one thousand people who live in the 12 local authorities around Heathrow their views on expanding Heathrow by adding a third runway or ending runway alternation. 50% of those polled supported the building of a third runway, compared to just 30% who were opposed. Support was even stronger for the introduction of ‘mixed mode’ which would increase the capacity of the existing runways, with 56% of residents in support, and just 23% opposed. The poll also showed that aircraft noise was a lesser concern to local people than issues such as crime and anti-social behaviour, road traffic congestion, and council tax levels. The results are likely to give the Government confidence to push ahead with the expansion of Heathrow, with a consultation expected to be issued shortly. The poll also sends a warning signal to political parties that there are no votes to be gained in opposing airport expansion.
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