ArtPort Suggests Upgrading Rail Links Over Expanding Heathrow

London, England (AHN) - The British government is expected to issue soon, at the earliest on Thursday, a decision if Heathrow Airport would be permitted to build a third runway and allowed more flights on existing runways.

Air carriers, trade unions, businesses and airport owner BAA are in favor of a third runway and more trips. They maintain it will not go against the country's greenhouse gas target. In advertisements which came out in British dailies, the pro-group said a third runway will lead to more jobs, economic growth, investment and long-term competitiveness of the British economy.

In a press conference, Confederation of British Industry director general Richard Lambert admitted expansion of Heathrow facilities and flights to 702,000 yearly from 480,000 will generate 2.6 million more tons of carbon dioxide annually. But he pointed out Britain's target of cutting carbon dioxide emission by 80 percent by 2050 is almost impossible to achieve anyway.

Groups which are against the runway, made up of local residents and environmentalists, are scheduled to hold a protest at Heathrow Monday to air their disagreement with the plan, including the destruction of about 700 homes, majority of which are in the nearby community Sipson.

The eco-activist group Climate Rush has scheduled a 7 p.m. protest at Heathrow, to be supported by anti-expansion group Artport. which prefers the improvement of rail links between London to the north, through Heathrow, instead of the construction of a third runway.