Anger over Bristol Airport expansion plans
I am writing to express my opposition to Bristol International Airport's current expansion plans.
The airport is terribly served by public transport and I would advocate a rail link to the airport first. The investment would be excellent for the local economy and indicate the region's commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Once connected to the national rail network, a far more cohesive argument can be made for an expansion. Prioritise a rail link first.
BIA's £4 million offer towards local road and transport maintenance is far too small. BIA talks about the Bus Rapid Transit from central Bristol. This scheme has no planning permission. The existing road networks which service the airport will not be able to accommodate the relentless increase in traffic volume!
I object to the airport expansion on moral, impact on local transport and on sustainability grounds. It is irresponsible to continue to invest in such an unsustainable model of petroleum-based travel. We have a regional airport. This should be made more carbon neutral before any expansion is considered. This means the existing carbon footprint of the airport has to be calculated and neutralised.
Further expansion should not be considered until there are quieter and more fuel-efficient planes and a high-quality rail link is in place.
David Baines, Easton.
Comments
by Alex, Redcliffe
Thursday, October 08 2009, 10:09AM
“Oh dear. Another idiot left-wing, tree-hugging, lentil eating loony who actually believes that the myth of human linked climate change is a reality. It¿s all a big con by the government and the eco industry to find an excuse for higher taxes and more revenue streams. There is no legitimate reason for fighting the inevitable expansion of UK airports or the desire for people to see the world.
¿carbon neutral¿ ¿ what a bloody joke! Your letter was going well, sensibly talking about improved transport links, until you proved that you are yet another deluded fool by changing the subject to the great global warming myth. Aircraft manufacturers are developing more efficient planes and the energy industry is developing lower emission fuels, but as long as there is oil, they will use what is the most profitable form of power. The only reason for moving away from oil is because it will eventually run out.
Bristol International desperately needs expansion, and will get it. Opponents to this are generally more vocal in the media but if you held a referendum in Bristol for airport expansion then the "yes" vote would definitely win. Like you said though, and I agree on this, better public transport between Bristol and the airport must be in place first.”