Authorities battle night flights

10:30am Wednesday 21st May 2008

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COUNCILS seeking a judicial review of the number of night flights allowed to fly out of Heathrow Airport began their High Court battle yesterday.

Four local authorities, all members of the 2M Group which represents residents living under the Heathrow's flight paths, sought the review in a bid to get a reduction in the number of aircraft allowed to arrive at the airport before 6am.

Wandsworth, Richmond, Windsor and Maidenhead councils, are challenging the Government's night flight regulations, after it was discovered that many of the planes flying at this time of day in had been placed in the wrong noise category.

The alleged error applies to the Boeing 747-400 RR, which is the main type used by airlines during the night at Heathrow.

The authorities' challenge is supported by Hillingdon Council, a fellow member of the 2M Group.

Lawyers for the group will argue that, by declining to act on the discrepancy, uncovered in 2005, the Government failed in its duty to protect residents from excessive noise at night and banning the noisy jumbos from flying in to Heathrow before 6am.

On average there are around 16 early morning arrivals each day between 4.30am and 6am.

The Judicial Review is likely to end tomorrow.