17 December 2003                                                                                               cliffe/04

CPRE Kent today expressed their disappointment at the overall approach of the Government to the future of aviation – although they very much welcome the lifting of the threat to Kent posed by the proposal to build a new airport at Cliffe.

"The Government still seems to be encouraging growth in air travel in spite of both the immediate and long term damage the industry does to almost all aspects of our environment" said Gary Thomas, Chairman of CPRE Kent.

CPRE Kent is concerned that the Government is doing nothing to encourage more efficient use of either runway space or air space. We are disappointed that the Government has not taken the opportunity to implement an emissions charge, which would encourage the industry to use modern, more efficient planes - which also tend to be quieter. It would also encourage use of larger planes, which would reduce the number of flights, and reduce the pressure to lose more of our precious countryside to runways. This would be in line with the "polluter pays" principle which every other European industry has to follow. Given the potential for managing demand, including through higher charges, we are surprised the Government felt there is any need for any more runways at all. This is particularly as the Government's own computer model showed that there would be no need for extra runways anywhere if appropriate taxes such emission charges, VAT or fuel tax were applied.

As Kent is the 'host' county for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, we expected more support for this recently built infrastructure, to enable faster direct journeys to Europe and to reduce the pressure on airports.

The lack of taxation on the industry allows the ridiculous position where it can be cheaper to fly between cities than to take the taxi from the airport in to the city centre. It’s nice for us as individuals, but very damaging to our environment, and particularly for the future generations who will affected by global warming.

For more information, please contact

Gary Thomas (Chairman, CPRE Kent) 01622 820691
Chris Lowe (Transport Campaign Group, CPRE Kent) 01227 471246
Hilary Newport (Director, CPRE Kent) 01233 813172

1. CPRE exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country. It promotes positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside and to ensure change values its natural and built environment. Our Patron is Her Majesty The Queen. CPRE has 59,000 supporters, a branch in every county, eight regional groups, over 200 local groups and a national office in Westminster. CPRE is a powerful combination of effective local action and strong national campaigning. Its President is Sir Max Hastings.
2. CPRE Kent, with a membership of 2,200, strives to influence planning policy through well-balanced input into the normal planning process. At local level it is well represented by groups of volunteers. It also works to increase awareness of the importance of protecting our Kentish countryside inheritance.
3. The Kent Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (registered office: Coldharbour Farm, Wye, Ashford, TN25 5DB) is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England, number 04335730. Registered charity number 1092012.

ENDS