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26 Nov 2015

Heathrow traffic chaos as protesters block access tunnel

With a decision on whether to allow the building of a third runway at Heathrow airport due soon, climate change protesters cause traffic chaos by blocking car access to several terminals.

Video of the protest posted was on social media by Ian Stopher

Three members of the Plane Stupid campaign group parked a van across the lanes of the access tunnel into the airport and then locked themselves to it.

Heathrow airport management said in a statement “we can confirm there is a protest taking place in the inbound tunnel, which is currently affecting traffic around the central terminal area and Terminals 2 and 3…

“Police are now on site but we urge passengers to allow extra time getting to the airport today.”

Plane Stupid posted an image of the protest on their Twitter feed, featuring a banner saying “No ifs, no buts, no third runway” – echoing a promise made by David Cameron during the election campaign in 2009.

However, in July 2015 the Airports Commission recommended the construction of a third runway at Heathrow, despite strong opposition from senior Conservatives such as Boris Johnson.

In the same month, 12 activists from the Plane Stupid delayed flights by chaining themselves together on the runway after cutting through a perimeter fence.

The government is expected to deliver its formal response to the Airports Commission report before Christmas.

Controversial conclusion

However, in July 2015 the Airports Commission recommended the construction of a third runway at Heathrow, despite strong opposition from senior Conservatives such as Boris Johnson.

In the same month, 12 activists from the Plane Stupid delayed flights by chaining themselves together on the runway after cutting through a perimeter fence.

Plane Stupid spokesman Cameron Kaye said: “If aviation growth isn’t reduced, by 2037 aviation alone could emit all of the carbon it’s safe for the UK to emit.

“The government needs to choose: build new runways or stop climate chaos: it’s that simple.”

The government is expected to deliver its formal response to the Airports Commission report before Christmas.

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