MD1080 Direction to TfL to undertake additional work in relation to aviation issues

The Government announced on 7 September 2012 its intention to establish an Independent Commission to oversee the work on developing a national aviation policy. This commission, to be known as the Davies Commission, will report interim findings by the end of 2013 but will not conclude its work until the second half of 2015. This would mean the earliest a future government would be able to set a new policy for aviation would be late 2015.

It is essential that the Mayor contributes to the work of the Commission to ensure London’s interests are protected. As the national policy debate continues, it is also important that the Mayor continues to canvass and represent the views of Londoners in a range of ways, including as part of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee’s aviation inquiry.

Additionally, the Mayor has asked TfL to continue work on options for a new hub airport including the communities and environmental case to inform the Davies Commission. The Mayor is, therefore, asked to direct TfL to undertake the necessary work for the next 18 months and to delegate the powers it requires to do so.