Representation by Transport Futures East Sussex (Transport Futures East Sussex)
- Date submitted
- 19 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
We would like to object to the proposal to develop a second runway operation at Gatwick Airport for the following reasons: Expansion of aviation would contradict policies to reduce carbon emissions. It would encourage increases in both short haul domestic flights and flights to European destinations. It would take place in a context of a failure to sufficiently exploit opportunities of both existing and potential rail links between UK cities and also the withdrawal of Eurostar connections via Ashford International station. Further to the above point, unlike the second runway and the inevitable increase in short and medium haul flights, the current dynamic expansion of international rail links on the continent, linked to restoration and expansion of services via the Channel Tunnel, would be a sustainable transport option. A rail based alternative with Ashford International as a 'rail hub', with upgraded links between Ashford and Brighton, would bring much needed economic benefits to south coast resorts, heritage assets and outstanding countryside without the traffic. The second runway would expand the noise footprint of Gatwick and lead to increased road traffic over the wider area.