Heathrow air pollution must be tackled - report

Growing road traffic around Heathrow airport in the UK could lead to a dramatic increase in air pollution, a new report claims.

The Plane Speaking report, by the London Assembly, sets out a series of recommendations that could help tackle air pollution around the transport hub.

The study said 66 per cent of the 69 million passengers getting to the airport used cars or taxis.

It said with bigger planes and redevelopment of Heathrow passenger numbers could rise to 95 million a year.

Increased road traffic could worsen what is already poor air quality, it claimed, unless steps are taken to improve public transport infrastructure.

Recommendations for improving air pollution include incentives to encourage people to use buses and coaches and extending  London Underground's operating hours.

Murad Qureshi, chair of the London Assembly's environment committee, said: "Poor air quality causes the early deaths of at least 4,000 Londoners a year, and it's time more action is focused on Heathrow as a big player in this serious public health issue."

Posted by Lauren Steadman