AnnetteCurtain

Yes, to a certain extent. But there is the potential for change on the table right now for the first time in nearly two decades. Things could go either way: either we share the noise more equably or a few (hundred thousand) of us get stuck with the lot. Signing this petition is one positive step we can take towards quieter skies: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/fair-flights-paths-for-heathrow

Ok,so I'm venturing back... HACAN (of the petition above) is a campaign group headed by the very reasonable and un-hysterical John Stewart. His informative site gives the full picture. Essentially 18 years ago the increase in air traffic made it necessary for planes to start aligning for Heathrow as far away as Lewisham. New guidance technology means this is no longer a given & opens up other possibilities for flight paths across London. In several North American cities the technology has been used to channel aircraft along very narrow corridors with intolerable results for residents. There have been major protests, notably in Chicago. That could happen here too. However HACAN is working with Heathrow to explore another option: dispersing flight paths would massively reduce the number of flights over any given area and afford everyone some respite. These paths would avoid the few existing plane-free areas. This is not about nimbyism: the planes aren't going to take some tortuous route to avoid my flat & I would't want the few existing plane-free areas to be spoiled, but (until politicians give the green light to a more sensibly placed hub) the noise could be distributed better so that it's no longer a nuisance for anyone.

Apologies all if this is something that has been thoroughly mauled over in the past. I'm new to the forum & actually live in Camberwell which may be affected worse. Didn't quite appreciate the wrath I'd incur. I simply wanted to raise awareness of the HACAN petition. This an important moment: Heathrow is conducting trials for new flight paths for the first time in almost 20 years. But you seem attached to your planes so I'll bow out and retreat to the altogether gentler Camberwell forums.

Over the past 16 years, I've lived in Hackney, Islington, Walthamstow and Hammersmith and never found the planes troublesome until I ventured south of the river 5 years ago. Honestly, we've got it bad & it doesn't have to be like this! I could move, but I have a daughter happily at nursery and a commute which would become complicated by heading north again. It's the frequency as much as the decibels which really grates. So if you're fed up with being woken at 4.30am & feeling slightly stressed until respite around 11pm then this is the petition for you!

Here's a rare opportunity to reduce flights over the area. Please sign & circulate! https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/fair-flights-paths-for-heathrow