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Fine airlines for queues, say Lib-Dems
01.08.08
Airlines that make passengers wait in long queues at check-ins should be fined, MPs demanded today.
Airport giant BAA should also be forced to sell two of its London airports - Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted - the Liberal Democrats said as they unveiled their aviation strategy.
The plan also calls for the Government to rule out a new runway at Heathrow and other airports in the South-East.
Instead, Lib-Dem transport spokesman Norman Baker said a surcharge on aviation duty for domestic flights should be introduced to fund a high-speed rail link from London to the North and Scotland, as well as to Wales and the West Country.
He said: "Both the passenger and the environment have lost out under the Government's failed aviation strategy.
"Even now, ministers would rather push ahead with an illconceived proposal to expand Heathrow than plan for highspeed rail."
The Lib-Dems also oppose plans to increase the number of flights at Heathrow and end the system of runway alternation.
