A London Assembly report published today estimates the past four years have seen a 20 percent increase in the level of helicopter movements within the capital over the past 4 years.
The report, ‘London in a spin: a review of helicopter noise’ , is the first time the issue of helicopter movements and noise in London has been investigated.
Darren Johnson, Chair of the Environment Committee, said the report “recommends a number of ways to reduce the problem, ranging from proper monitoring of helicopter movements to charging for using the capital’s airspace.”
Johnson also calls on the Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority to “take action now to reduce noise pollution from helicopters” warning that failure to act would mean “the situation will become unbearable for many people.”
According to the report the issue of helicopter noise is disproportionally intense around the heliport in Battersea and along the river.
As well as holding a public hearing the Assembly heard from almost 150 Londoner disturbed by the increasing levels of noise.
The report ‘London in a spin: a review of helicopter noise’ can be downloaded at www.london.gov.uk/assembly