MPA calls for designation status for London City Airport

76/06
15 December 2006

The Metropolitan Police Authority has written to Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, seeking the designation of London City Airport under section 25 of the Aviation Security Act 1982, meaning the owners would foot the policing bill instead of taxpayers.

At present in London, only Heathrow Airport is obliged to contribute to policing costs, but London City Airport pays nothing towards the £7 million police bill which is met from the police budget.

In his letter to the Secretary of State, Len Duvall, MPA Chair, said there is little doubt the provision of dedicated and specialist policing at London City Airport would justify the designation of the airport under the Act.

He wrote:

“The current threats to civil aviation mean that the Metropolitan Police has to provide a dedicated and specialist police presence at the airport. While London City Airport remains undesignated, the costs will be met from the general police fund.”

The MPA wrote to the Secretary of State earlier in the year asking for designation but was told the issue would have to await completion of the Department for Transport initiated Stephen Boys Smith review of policing at airports. That review has now been concluded.

Len Duvall said:

“While we support the recommendations of the Boys Smith review, we do not believe it is acceptable to ask London taxpayers to continue meeting the substantial burden of policing London City Airport until such time as a new policy on designation is introduced and enacted.”

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