Fiona Hyslop Publishes Flight Path Trial Results
Even with Doors and Windows Shut 61% Find Flight Path Noise Noticeable and Intrusive or Unacceptable and Disturbing
Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has released results of her extensive survey of constituents on the controversial Edinburgh airport new flight path trial. Over 2,000 people responded to the survey and the findings send a clear message to Edinburgh Airport and the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) who will make the ultimate decision.
Fiona said;
“It is quite remarkable that 91% of people received no communication from Edinburgh airport and despite only having two and half members of staff and small team of volunteers, I managed to personally contact thousands of houses individually in the affected areas.
“The findings are quite stark with 83% of respondents noting a change in noise levels and of those, 74% have found the noise either noticeable and intrusive or unacceptable and disturbing when they are outdoors, with 71% experiencing that level in their home when doors and windows are open. Even with doors and windows shut, a massive 61% find the noise noticeable and intrusive or unacceptable.”
Fiona intends to send the full report as a collation of the responses area by area, village and town to the CAA and to Edinburgh Airport
“It is quite clear that the flight path over dense housing is contrary to CAA guidance and the Uphall, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan responses show that the noise produced from the early banking of these planes is completely unacceptable. The low flying planes, particularly in the early morning over Broxburn, is clearly affecting a huge number of my constituents.
“Early results indicated 64% of people wanted the trial ended early and by force of argument and campaign and the influence of Scottish Government Transport Minister Derek Mackay, Edinburgh Airport have responded to end the trial on October 28th – a full 2 months before the original date. Having secured commitment from the Airport that they won’t move directly to consultation on a finalised path we must use this survey to ensure that the CAA is aware how unacceptable this flight path is.”
ENDS
Key Stats:
• 91% of those who responded to the survey said they received no communications from Edinburgh Airport since the trial started on June 25th
• 83% of those who responded said they had noticed a change in noise levels from aircraft since June 25th
• 74% of those who responded said they found the noise noticeable and intrusive or unacceptable and disturbing when they were in their garden
• 71% of those who responded said they found the noise noticeable and intrusive or unacceptable and disturbing when they were in their homes with the doors and windows open
• 61% of those who responded said they found the noise noticeable and intrusive or unacceptable and disturbing when they were in their homes with the doors and windows closed
• 64% of those who responded wanted the trial to stop early, rising to 79% in Uphall, one of the most affected areas