Khan to press Government over noisy helicopters along the Thames

Noise from helicopters is often raised by local residents on the SE1 forum. Now the problem has been the subject of an exchange between two City Hall politicians.

Green Party London Assembly member Caroline Russell tabled this question to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan: "A constituent has contacted me regarding sightseeing, film, photography and survey helicopters operating along the River Thames causing widespread noise disturbance.

"Given your ambient noise strategy responsibilities, will you make a representation to the Civil Aviation Authority calling for far tighter restrictions on sightseeing helicopters and permit system for other non-emergency services helicopter flights operating in London and along the River Thames in particular?"

Mr Khan replied: "I am concerned that there is a lack of regulation to protect Londoners from helicopter noise disturbance.

"I am also concerned that the Government's Aviation Policy Framework included a commitment to monitor the impacts of helicopter movements in London.

"However I have seen no evidence that this important work has been taken forward.

"I will be updating London's Ambient Noise Strategy in due course, which will form part of my new Environment Strategy. As part of this, it will set out a range of actions to mitigate the impacts and effects of noise from air traffic on Londoners, including helicopters.

"As the responsibility for noise from air traffic currently lies with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Government (the Department for Transport), I will press them to develop a framework for managing and regulating helicopter noise in London."